Thursday, August 26
Headstones from historic African-American cemetery being relocated
Dozens of headstones from a historic African-American cemetery in the nation’s capital that were used for erosion control along the Virginia shoreline of the Potomac River are being relocated to a memorial garden in Maryland.
Rev. Jesse Jackson, wife remain hospitalized with COVID-19
The Rev. Jesse Jackson said Tuesday that he’s feeling “fairly well” and receiving great care at a Chicago hospital after a breakthrough COVID-19 infection.
Re-igniting a classic
Mayor Stoney announces revival of the Armstrong-Walker Classic, with the help of a 15-member committee and others to plan parade, peewee football game and tailgate party for Nov. 27
A fresh attempt is being made to revive the biggest sporting event in Richmond — the Armstrong-Walker Classic.
Vacancies hurting Richmond’s emergency operations
Every element of public safety in Richmond is under stress due to manpower shortages.
J. Edgar Hoover doesn’t deserve to be memorialized
Why is J. Edgar Hoover’s name memorialized on the FBI headquarters building in Washington? This is like putting the image of the devil on the front of a church.
Pass along rental assistance information to others
Re “State still has $788M available to help families facing eviction,” Free Press Aug. 5-7 edition:
Virginia GOP ‘suffering voter-suppression envy’
Re Article “Who are we?” and editorial “Redistricting,” Free Press Aug. 19-21 edition:
Soul music in Black cultural history, by A. Peter Bailey
During the past five weeks, I have seen three films that showcase and celebrate the contributions of soul music to the cultural history of Black people.
Infrastructure must emphasize equity, by Rep. A. Donald McEachin
President Biden’s American Jobs Plan would provide a historic investment in our nation’s infrastructure system, create millions of quality, good-paying jobs, revitalize our communities and work to address the climate crisis through sustainable, forward-looking policy solutions.
3rd Annual I Have A Dream Festival set for Aug. 28
Replenish Richmond and Virginia Free Farm are hosting the 3rd Annual I Have A Dream Festival celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his famous speech from the 1963 March on Washington from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, outside Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, 1000 Mosby St.
Frederick ‘Duke’ Slater, first Black lineman in the NFL, honored by alma mater
It has been a century since Frederick “Duke” Slater played football for the University of Iowa, but his alma mater hasn’t forgotten him.
Abreu stands out, even with jersey No. 79
José Abreu wears jersey No. 79 — a number more common to football than baseball—for a reason.
Washington rookie proves to be preseason surprise
Surprise! Surprise! Jaret Patterson is that shiny package you never expected.
Gregory Odom Jr. takes honors in collegiate championship
Howard University golf is back on the map and Gregory Odom Jr. is making the most of the opportunity.
Howard Bison to take on UR Spiders Sept. 4
Howard University can only hope its upcoming football game at the University of Richmond goes better than the previous meeting.
Personality: Adriea Clarke
Spotlight on founder of Soul Vegan Block Party
Adriea Clarke is founder of an event that seeks to bridge the gap between the public and veganism and provide a space for African-Americans to share and show the curious, particularly people of color, an entry point into the lifestyle.
Former Richmond businessman Jon C. King Sr. dies at 75
Jon C. “Sugar” King Sr. was an influential force in Richmond in opening doors to ensure Black participation in business and the arts.
Armstrong coach, educator, counselor Moses Norrell dies at 83
Moses Alphonso “Sporty” Norrell III, a football coach, educator and guidance counselor for 42 years at his alma mater Armstrong High School, has died.
Wells Fargo changes course to keep North Side bank branch open
Wells Fargo bank has reversed itself and will continue operating its branch at 1800 Chamberlayne Ave., the financial giant announced Tuesday.
Marsh Elementary School dedication this Saturday
This Saturday, Aug. 28, will be a banner day for former state Sen. Henry L. Marsh III and the new elementary school in Church Hill named in his honor that will be officially dedicated.
Medical professionals make push for vaccination efforts in Black and brown communities
With a nationwide surge in COVID-19 cases and the continuing spread of the highly contagious delta variant, calls to vaccinate vulnerable populations have increased, with a variety of plans being floated to ensure the protection of people of color.
City launches youth violence prevention pilot
Richmond is launching a pilot project to pro- vide more protections and a better path forward for youths at risk of gun violence.
Former principal alleged to have defrauded renters
For at least five years, Dr. Carl S. Vaughan appeared to offer a lifeline to people facing barriers to securing a place to live.
WNBA champions Seattle Storm honored by President Biden
President Biden honored the 2020 WNBA champions Seattle Storm on Monday, celebrating their success on the court and hailing the four-time title holders for changing lives with their activism.
’New Shoes For Back To School’ reaches 15-year mark of providing for youngsters
As students across the metro region prepare for in-person classes, they are looking to get new school clothes, especially rocking shoes and fine sneakers.
Richmond, are you ready for some football? City high schools kick off Friday
Four Richmond high schools will open their football seasons Friday, Aug. 27, and all four will have new head coaches.
Charles A. Gill Sr., who shared a big lottery win to help the Richmond community, succumbs at 63
Struggling to make ends meet for his family, Charles Allen Gill Sr. sought to change his luck and became an instant millionaire in the process.
Thursday, August 19
‘We have no time to waste’, by Dr. E. Faye Williams
When presented without context, the name Roger Brooke Taney means little to most contemporary Americans. Justice Taney was born in Calvert County, Md., very close to Washington, D.C. He was an attorney, served in the executive and judicial branches of the U.S. government, was a member of the Democratic Party and is infamous as the chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court for authoring the equally infamous Dred Scott decision.
Climate change must be dealt with, by Julianne Malveaux
Tuvalu is a tiny Polynesian island nation located midway between Hawaii and Australia. Home to just 11,000 people, it is just 10 square miles. It is smaller today than it was a decade ago. Thanks to world climate change, Tuvalu is sinking, and the evidence is everywhere.
Cardinal Elementary School officially dedicated
It was a monumental moment Monday as the ribbon was cut officially opening Cardinal Elementary School in South Side.
Who are we?
Richmond’s population grew by 11 percent, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. But the number of city residents who identify solely as Black slides, while the white population rises slightly.
The 2020 U.S. Census did not surprise anyone when it confirmed what everyone can see with their own eyes— Richmond’s population is on the grow.
After years of suspicion, superstar R. Kelly to get his day in court
Most people know him for “I Believe I Can Fly,” the 1996 hit that became an inspirational anthem played at school graduations, weddings and in advertisements. Or possibly for a stinging parody by comedian Dave Chappelle.
Personality: Ra-Twoine Shameel ‘Rosetta’ Fields
Spotlight on founder and program director of More Than Art: Inner City Mural Project
It’s a time of sweeping artistic development for the city of Rich- mond, with a wide variety of new pieces, programs and exhibits in various districts.
Ulysses Kirksey, longtime music director and conductor of the Petersburg Symphony Orchestra, succumbs after illness
Ulysses Kirksey grew up in Richmond, traveled the world with his cello and landed back in Petersburg, where he led the community’s symphony orchestra for 32 years.
MLK’s initial leadership site gets preservation funding
As the Alabama church where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was elected to his first leadership position in the Civil Rights Movement marks its 155th anniversary, work has begun to make a museum out of the crumbling building where that vote was taken.
Logan Thomas finally finds niche with Washington
The clouds have cleared and the sun is shining, finally, for Logan Thomas.
Area teen spreads anti-bullying message
Adults forbid it and impose rules against it, but bullying continues to take place in schools.
’I think she’s out,’ deputy says after violent arrest
A woman who pulled off a road to change drivers during a trip with her father and three young children was knocked unconscious and arrested by two Northern California sheriff’s deputies, who then lied about the encounter to responding paramedics and on official reports, according to a federal lawsuit filed Wednesday.
RPS mandates vaccinations for teachers, staff
Richmond Public Schools teachers, staff, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, volunteers, contractors and anyone else working with the district must be fully vaccinated against the corona- virus by Friday, Oct. 1.
Kamras proposes changing role for SROs; board gives green light to new 1,600-student high school
Richmond schools Superintendent Jason Kamras presented a proposal to the School Board Monday night to re-imagine the role of school resource officers, or SROs, the police hired to provide public safety in the city’s public schools.
Waiver sought for RPS student-athletes to continue playing sports
Student-athletes in Richmond whose grades suffered when schools went virtual could still play football or participate in other fall sports.
Premier Bank, which traces its history to Maggie L. Walker, sold to Ohio banking company
The bank that history-making business pioneer Maggie L. Walker founded and led in Richmond soon will be under new ownership.
Rally-goers call for reinstatement of parole in Virginia
“He was incarcerated when I was young, and I can’t remember a day with him not behind bars.”
Dr. Leonard L. Edloe installed as president-elect of Virginia Pharmacists Association
Dr. Leonard L. Edloe, the former owner of a small chain of pharmacies in Richmond, has been installed as the first Black president-elect of the 140-year-old Virginia Pharmacists Association, the same group that once barred his late pharmacist father from joining the organization because of the color of his skin.
VUU’s Mike Davis: First Virginia player picked in NBA draft first round
Virginia’s colleges and universities boast a rich history in producing NBA first round draft choices.
VUU basketball team to compete in Chris Paul HBCU Tip-off
A short trip South and a longer journey to New England are featured on Virginia Union University’s November basketball slate.
Norfolk’s Keyshawn Davis following career path of boxing great ‘Sweet Pea’ Whitaker
Keyshawn Davis is showing signs of becoming the next Per- nell ‘Sweet Pea’ Whitaker, which is about the top compliment any young boxer could receive.
Richardson gets her chance to race Jamaican Olympic medalists Aug. 21
Sha’Carri Richardson made a name for herself earlier this summer at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore. Now she’ll try and do it again.
The Bahamas makes a splash in sprint competition
Befitting a nation surrounded by the sea, The Bahamas made a big splash— actually two big splashes—at the Tokyo Olympics.
Plunky & Oneness to play at Summer Groove Aug. 21
Plunky & Oneness, the funk and smooth jazz band led by saxophonist James “Plunky” Branch, wants to help people get their groove back.
Ray Charles to be inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame
R&B legend Ray Charles, who helped redefine country music in the civil rights era will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Late author Alex Haley honored in 2-day hometown celebration
Find the good and praise it. It’s a phrase the late Alex Haley, author of the 1976 novel “Roots: The Saga of an American Family,” often said during his life, fromhisdaysresidinginthesmall West Tennessee town of Hen- ning through his world travels as a journalist and writer. His seminal book about the horrors and injustices of slavery include messages of perseverance, cour- age and strength.
Redistricting Commission ‘more focused on political outcome’ by Phillip E. Thompson
We are not surprised by the partisanship that seems to be weighing down the efforts of the new Virginia Redis- tricting Commission to redraw the state’s legislative and Congressional districts. What did we expect?
March on Washington 2.0: We must save America, by Norman Hill
As late August approaches Washington, D.C., something deep in the soul-psyche of millions of African-Americans reflexively sweeps history out of its sepia-colored corners and into an annual ritual of remembrance and pride.
Thursday, August 12
GOP candidate a ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’
I was disgusted when I saw the Republican candidate for governor, Glenn Youngkin, surrounded by Black folks at a recent news conference at Virginia Union University.
State mandates COVID-19 vaccinations for state workers; Richmond School Board to follow suit
First came the universities. Then came the City of Richmond. Then Gov. Ralph S. Northam followed their lead in imposing a mandate on most state employees to get vaccinated against coronavirus.
Jury still out
After a year on the job, Richmond Police Chief Gerald Smith has not won over many officers or residents either through style or substance
A year ago, Gerald M. Smith was introduced to the city as an “innovator” and a “reform-minded change agent” as Mayor Levar M. Stoney introduced him as Richmond’s new police chief.
First wave of Afghan evacuees arrive at Fort Lee
It has been nearly two weeks since the first flight evacuating Afghans who worked alongside Americans in Afghanistan brought more than 200 people, including scores of children and babies in arms, to resettlement in the United States, and officials at Fort Lee are calling the operation a success so far.
Afghanistan: To go, to stay; either way, many are likely to pay
President Biden has announced that all U.S. troops will be withdrawn from Afghanistan by Aug. 31.
VSU changes names of 4 buildings to honor history of women at university
Virginia State University has taken a monumental step honoring the achievements of African-American women with ties to the school.
Personality: Dr. Cyrillene ‘C.C.’ Clark
Spotlight on board chair of Voices for Virginia’s Children
With school about to begin for many of Virginia’s youths, and the COVID-19 pandemic still posing a danger to public health, the work of Voices for Virginia’s Children and its board chair, Dr. Cyrillene “C.C.” Clark, is more important than ever.
Kool & the Gang co-founder Dennis Thomas dies at 70
Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas, a founding member of the long-running, Grammy Award-winning soul-funk band Kool & the Gang, has died. He was 70.
Praise, doubt as Facebook rolls out new prayer tool
Facebook already asks for your thoughts. Now it wants your prayers.
‘Golden girls’
U.S. women bring home top medals from the Olympics
Red, white and blue added up to a treasure chest of gold at the Tokyo Olympics. Let’s meet the “Golden girls.”
“Respect:” A musical masterpiece that captures Aretha Franklin’s essence
“They want to hear you sing,” says the Rev. C.L. Franklin (played by actor Forest Whitaker) to his 10- year-old daughter, Aretha (played by Skye Dakota Turner).
Building a race car from the wheels up revs up learning process for RPS students
Vroom.... Vroom...Vroom. That’s the sound Armstrong High School students yearn to hear as they build the interior of a Dodge Daytona 500R STEM car in a summer program at Richmond Raceway.
VUU freshman football player collapses during practice and dies
Virginia Union University is mourning the death of freshman football player Quandarius Wilburn, who collapsed and died Sunday afternoon as the team worked out.
Richmond casino referendum approved for fall ballot
A Richmond judge has signed an order putting the casino referendum on the Richmond ballot, ensuring city voters will have the final say on whether Virginia’s capital city adds a gambling mecca to its attractions.
Doris H. Causey among four African-Americans named to Virginia Court of Appeals
In a historic first, the Virginia Court of Appeals will have five Black members reviewing lower court decisions.
Tax dollars at work
Cityscape: Slices of life and scenes in Richmond
John Williams, center, a 13-year veteran of the city Department of Public Works, is part of a crew replacing sidewalks in the 3800 block of McGuire Drive in South Side.
CAHN to host block party Aug. 14 in South Side
Music, dancing and community health will be the focus of a block party hosted by the CapitalArea Health Network, or CAHN, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, outside the Manchester Medical Building, 101 Cowardin Ave. in South Side.
Plans call for $5M James River Center on newly purchased conservation site
A $5 million center is being envisioned that would provide Richmond youths with hands-on learning experiences on the shores of the James River.
Herring named managing partner at McGuire Woods
Michael N. Herring, former Richmond commonwealth’s attorney, is now the managing partner at the Richmond office of McGuireWoods, one of the state’s largest law firms.
UR and ODU welcome new presidents
The new president of the University of Richmond will be on campus when the school’s first Black president, Dr. Ronald A. Crutcher, waves goodbye this week.
N.C. A&T track stars help U.S. win gold
The U.S. Olympic team’s gold medal in the men’s 4x400 relay had a strong Virginia and North Carolina A&T State University flavor.
MVP Tyrese Rice commands Boeheim’s Army to $1M win of TBT
Tyrese Rice didn’t attend Syracuse University, but the New York institution might consider awarding him an honorary degree.
Former Houston Astros pitcher James Rodney ‘J.R.’ Richard dies at 71
James Rodney “J.R.” Richard was arguably the greatest pitcher of the 1970s and might have been the greatest ever if not for one harrowing event that turned his career, and life, upside down.
Bright Minds RVA Chess Classes, Tournament to start Aug. 16
Richmond youths ages 14 to 16 will have the opportunity to learn chess and compete in a tournament this month through Bright Minds RVA Chess Classes and Tournament, a pilot program set up by the Bernice E. Travers Foundation.
Mask up, vax up
Count us in when it comes to supporting the COVID-19 vaccine mandates issued last week by Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney and Gov. Ralph S. Northam.
Redistricting Commission ‘more focused on political outcome’ by Phillip E. Thompson
During the campaign to pass Virginia Constitutional Amendment #1 to create a re-districting commission, some of the strongest opposition came from members of the Virginia Black Legislative Caucus.
Protect democracy: Fix U.S. Supreme Court, by Ben Jealous
It has been six months since the Biden-Harris administration began, ushering in an era of hope after four bitter and disheartening years. We have much to celebrate.
Send A.P. Hill’s remains ‘back to his hometown’
Re “ ‘From monument desecration to grave robbing,’ ” Letter to the Editor, Free Press July 29-31 edition:
Thursday, August 5
Mandate: All city employees must be fully vaccinated by Oct. 1
Richmond city employees are now required to be vaccinated against COVID-19, in a move announced Wednesday amid nationwide efforts to stem the rising surge in cases.
Braves next?
Cleveland, thanks for finally doing the right thing by ditching your city’s Major League Baseball franchise name “The Cleveland Indians” at the end of the 2021 MLB season.
Cori Bush is ‘my hero!’, by Julianne Malveaux
Missouri Congresswoman Cori Bush was once homeless. She wrote movingly about sleeping with her babies in her car, with no place to go, nowhere to wash except a McDonald’s restroom, nowhere to exhale.
A way forward for Haiti, by Dr. Ron Daniels
Tragedy and triumph is a recurring theme in the history of Haiti, the world’s first Black Republic.
No nonsense, please
On Friday and Saturday, the 5th District GOP Committee is hosting an “election integrity” rally at conservative Liberty University in Lynchburg.
Moving on
We hope the results of the probe announced last week by Special Prosecutor Timothy A. Martin will put to rest any notions of impropriety or wrongdoing in the removal of the Confederate statues from Richmond.
Vanderbilt launches James Lawson Institute or the Research and Study of Nonviolent Movements
Vanderbilt University announced the launch of the James Lawson Institute for the Research and Study of Nonviolent Movements, honoring the 92-year-old influential activist who taught nonviolence to protesters during the civil rights struggles last century.
Henrietta Lacks’ family hires Ben Crump for legal battle
The family of the late Henrietta Lacks, who unwittingly spurred a research bonanza when her cancer cells were taken without her knowledge in 1951, has hired a prominent civil rights lawyer to seek compensation from pharmaceutical companies.
New TV show ‘Johnson’ offers glimpse into Black male perspective
Deji LaRay remembered when television shows like “Sex in the City” and “Insecure” captured the essence of friendships among women, but then realized hardly any male-driven stories were being told in the same manner.
Cleveland MLB team changes name in move toward enlightenment
After more than 100 years, Cleveland’s Major League Baseball team is getting a new name — the Guardians.
Isaiah Todd, of John Marshall H.S. fame, drafted in NBA’s second round
Isaiah Todd’s friends and fans from Richmond won’t have too far to travel to see him play professionally.
VCU’s ‘Bones’ Hyland drafted by NBA’s Denver Nuggets
Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland won’t be heading to classes this fall at Virginia Commonwealth University. Instead, he’ll be heading to the bank.
Jamaican women and Black Italian man world’s fastest
The new “World’s Fastest Man” runs for Italy in the Olympics, but was born in El Paso, Texas.
U.S. team wins gold in women’s 3x3 basketball
A new sport was unveiled at the Tokyo Olympics and the United States ran away with the top prize.
5 new state historical markers to highlight Asian American and Pacific Islander history
Five new historical markers recognizing the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Virginia have been selected for placement throughout the Commonwealth.
Back-to-school vaccines, physicals offered by local health districts
The Richmond and Henrico health districts are holding several back-to-school clinics where students can get health physicals and vaccines required to attend public school.
State Dems’ budget offers eviction protection, utility bill relief
A key protection against evictions would be restored and a new round of funding would flow to utilities to cover unpaid customer bills under legislation advancing through the Democrat- controlled Virginia General Assembly.
VCU Vaccination Corps has cadre of volunteers rolling up their sleeves and getting to work during pandemic
The opportunity to help end the COVID-19 pandemic and to dispel vaccine mistrust and hesitancy among marginalized communities inspired Aliyah Simmons to become a part of the Virginia Commonwealth University Vaccination Corps.
Free COVID-19 testing and vaccines
COVID-19 testing is available at various drug stores, clinics and urgent care centers throughout the area for people with and without health insurance. Several offer free tests.
Possible deal for new horse stable for Richmond Police
New life apparently is being breathed into a plan to build a new stable for the four horses of the Richmond’s Police Department’s Mounted Unit, thanks to an anonymous private donor.
RRHA quietly changes trespass policy; list of the banned grows unwieldly
Kevin Lamont Hicks can once again visit his mother and now grown daughter in Whitcomb Court, if they still live there.
Jay-Z and Will Smith invest in rent-to-own housing startup
Jay-Z and Will Smith are among a list of investors involved in a startup that helps renters build credit until they can buy a home of their own.
U.N. creates permanent body to address racism
The U.N. General Assembly approved a resolution Monday establishing a Permanent Forum of People of African Descent to provide expert advice on addressing the challenges of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance.
Blanche Moore named Henrico County Christmas Mother
Blanche Moore has been selected to a very exciting and much needed Henrico County volunteer position – the 2021 Henrico County Christmas Mother.
Biles makes comeback, wins bronze on balance beam
Simone Biles isn’t going home with a fistful of gold medals. A mental block — one brought on by exhaustion or stress or something the American gymnastics star still can’t quite grasp — that forced her to pull out of four Olympic finals saw to that.
Hundreds arrested in D.C. at faith-led protest for voting rights
As police escorted a demonstrator in a wheelchair away from the chanting throng descending on the U.S. Capitol on Monday, fellow protesters turned to watch the person go. The group paused for a moment, then altered their call. They screamed in unison: “Thank you! We love you!” The lone protester nodded, fist raised. The crowd erupted in applause. It was a moment that played out again and again over the course of the afternoon.
Robert P. “Bob” Moses, who crusaded for civil rights and later math education, dies at 86
Robert P. “Bob” Moses, a civil rights activist who was shot at and endured beatings and jail while leading Black voter registration drives in the South during the 1960s and later helped improve minority education in math, died Sunday, July 25, 2021.
School Board insists on going it alone on Wythe
Construction of a new George Wythe High School is still in limbo as the Richmond School Board needs to work out some design decisions for the request for proposal, or RFP, in order to move the construction process forward.
Personality: Ronnie Hicks
Spotlight on board president of the Woodland Restoration Foundation
For years, Woodland Cemetery languished in neglect.
State still has $788M available to help families facing eviction
Confronted by the prospect of a flood of evictions, President Biden’s administration acted Tuesday to of- fer temporary relief that will impact struggling renters facing ouster for overdue payments, including those in Richmond and most of Central Virginia.
Woman unaware she had $39M lottery ticket in purse for weeks
Lottery officials say a woman in Germany carried a winning ticket in her purse for weeks without realizing it was worth about 33 million euros, or roughly $39 million.
For Missouri Congresswoman Cori Bush, eviction fight is personal
Roughly two decades before she was elected to Congress, U.S. Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri lived in a Ford Explorer with her then-husband and two young children after the family had been evicted from their rental home.
No wrongdoing
Mayor Levar M. Stoney cleared in special prosecutor’s probe of the city’s awarding of $1.8 million contract to remove Confederate statues
No bribes. No kickbacks. No evidence of corruption in the use of taxpayers’ dollars. That’s the conclusion of a six-month probe to determine if Mayor Levar M. Stoney engaged in any wrongdoing in the award of a $1.8 million contract to a contractor to take down the city’s Confederate statues in July 2020.
