Thursday, February 25
Va. on record: Racism is a public health crisis
Racism is a public health crisis, the General Assembly has declared.
Hip-hop artist Prince Markie Dee of Fat Boys dies at 52
Prince Markie Dee, a member of The Fat Boys hip-hop trio who later formed his own band and became a well-known radio host, died Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, the day before his 53rd birthday.
Changing Va.’s laws would honor the work of HIV advocates, by Deirdre Johnson
For more than 20 years, organizations around the country have commemorated National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day as a moment to raise awareness, spark conversations and highlight the work being done to reduce HIV in Black communities.
President and the pandemic, by Glenn Ellis
Dear President Biden, It’s no secret to any of us that Black Americans have carried a disproportionate burden throughout every stage of the pandemic. As you undertake the daunting task of leading the efforts to lift all Americans out of the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are all prayerful for your success in accomplishing your goals.
No way equal
We cannot sit by without commenting on the announcement by the University of Richmond regarding its examination into possibly renaming two campus buildings that honor white supremacists who were instrumental in the school’s history. UR President Ronald A. Crutcher has announced that the university will not change the name of Ryland Hall, an academic building, one wing of which is named for the Rev. Robert Ryland.
Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter’s star to shine on Hollywood Walk of Fame
A dream of most people in the movie business is to get a coveted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Ruth E. Carter is getting hers this week.
5 honored with annual ‘Strong Men & Women in Virginia History’ award
Dr. Lerla G. Joseph, a Richmond physician and community health advocate, is among five African-American leaders named as this year’s “Strong Men & Women in Virginia History.”
8th Annual Black Book Expo to feature author talks Feb. 27 and 28
Tables full of new books and an opportunity to meet various authors. Those will be among the highlights of the 8th Annual Black Book Expo this weekend at the Elegba Folklore Society in Downtown and virtually on Facebook Live.
Hampton alum becomes first Black head football coach at Marshall University
Hampton University alumnus Charles Huff has become the first Black head football coach at Marshall University.
50th anniversary of historic 1970-71 Rams basketball team
What’s commonplace today in college basketball — an all-Black lineup—was head spinning a half century ago.
Tournament cancellation dashes Randolph-Macon’s hopes for national title
Randolph-Macon College will have to settle for a conference title this season, hopeful that a national crown remains on the table for 2021-22.
New Kansas City Monarchs team to debut this spring
Remember the Kansas City Monarchs, the long-ago powerhouse in Negro Leagues baseball? They’re back! Well, sort of.
Flying Squirrels to return to action on May 4
Starved for baseball? Circle May 4 on your calendar. That’s the date the Richmond Flying Squirrels will return to action for the first time since 2019.
OB Jalon Jones hands Sanders first college coaching victory
With able assistance from former area athlete Jalon Jones, Deion Sanders is 1-0 as a college head football coach at Jackson State University.
Anderson gives NSU spark from arc
Daryl Anderson Jr. is Norfolk State University’s spark from the arc. Most of his points come in bunches of threes.
Baseball set giveaway Feb. 27 at Play Ball Richmond 2021
Plastic baseball bat and ball sets will be given away this weekend during Play Ball Richmond 2021, a youth baseball initiative of Major League Baseball in concert with the Metropolitan Junior Baseball League, which promotes baseball and softball for inner-city youths.
City Council votes to move $9M from fund to help cover budget shortfall
Three months ago, City Hall was happily stuffing $12 million into savings accounts while enthusing about how the city’s economy in the 2019-20 fiscal year had proven more robust and resilient than anticipated during the pandemic.
Residents of Garden City neighborhood get more clarity on Henrico project’s impact
A Henrico County official told residents of the Garden City neighborhood that the county isn’t planning on buying them out of their homes for the proposed $2.3 billion GreenCity arena and mixed-used development.
Shelter for homeless to be open this weekend
A safety net shelter for the homeless in Richmond is expected to stay open this weekend when heavy rain is expected, according to 5th District City Councilwoman Stephanie A. Lynch.
Virtual panel to address strengthening Black community
Congressmen A. Donald McEachin and Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, the two African-Americans in Virginia’s congressional delegation, will participate in a free, virtual Martin Luther King Beloved Community Symposium from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26.
Former Chesterfield NAACP head wins libel suit
LaSalle J. McCoy Jr. said he never took a dime from the Chesterfield County Branch NAACP during the 10 years he served as president, and a county General District Court judge has agreed with him.
Inaction by Senate thwarts Judge O’Berry’s reappointment to bench
At this point, Judge Pamela O’Berry still does not appear to have the support for keeping her seat on the Chesterfield County General District Court for six more years.
School Board approves plan for $54M in COVID-19 relief
The Richmond School Board voted 8-1 Monday night to approve a plan for $54 million in federal money to handle a variety of costs stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Harry F. Byrd statue to be moved from Capitol Square
The statue of Harry F. Byrd Sr., an icon of white supremacy and Black oppression, is to be moved after 45 years haunting the grounds of the Virginia Capitol.
Lawyer and former NFL athlete plays new role in ‘Wonder Woman 1984’
Richmond native Archie L. Harris Jr., a Washington attorney and actor, has a new role. He plays a police officer in “Wonder Woman 1984,” the superhero sequel that had the highest domestic box office opening since the pandemic closed theaters last March.
The art of sport
As a mere whippersnapper, I took a keen interest in watching sports, writing about sports and drawing pencil pictures at the kitchen table of my favorite sports figures. Nothing has changed after all these decades.
Dean Yolanda Pierce on grandmother theology, Black Jesus
Dean Yolanda Pierce of the Howard University School of Divinity has been shaped by, and now teaches, womanist theology, the study of religion through the lens of gender, race and class.
Rev. Kenneth E. Dennis Sr., pastor of Greater Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, dies at 65
The Rev. Kenneth Eugene Dennis Sr., who led Greater Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Jackson Ward for three decades, has died.
Personality: Tiffany S. Mickel
Spotlight on first African-American editor-in-chief of the Virginia Law Review
Tiffany S. Mickel is blazing new paths as the first African-American editor-in-chief of the Virginia Law Review, and she hopes to ensure an accessible, equitable and informative resource for others.
Flying Squirrels honor legacy, history of Richmond 34
The Richmond 34 will not be forgotten, at least not as long as the Richmond Flying Squirrels have anything to say about it.
Names on UR buildings still carry racist stigma
Dr. Ronald A. Crutcher is taking a more nuanced approach to dealing with the racist parts of University of Richmond’s history and the long overlooked Black people who are part of it.
Golf without Woods? A possibility
The PGA Tour without Tiger Woods was always inevitable purely because of age. His shattered right leg from his SUV flipping down a hill Tuesday morning on a sweeping road through coastal Los Angeles suburbs only brings that closer.
High rollers
6 companies roll the dice in hopes of landing Richmond’s sole casino license
A gusher of tax revenue for Richmond and potentially 1,400 or more new jobs for city residents.
Thursday, February 18
Televangelist Rev. Frederick K.C. ‘Fred’ Price, who built the ‘FaithDome’ in L.A. dies at 89
The Rev. Frederick K.C. “Fred” Price, the televangelist who built his Los Angeles ministry into one of the nation’s first Black megachurches, has died. He was 89.
It’s not over yet
Just days after the U.S. Senate acquits former President Trump, Congressman Bennie Thompson of Mississippi files a lawsuit to hold him responsible for inciting insurrection at the U.S. Capitol
One thing is for certain, there was no surprise.
Statewide vaccine registry system launches amid continuing questions about equitable distribution
Virginia just made it easier to sign up to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Personality: E. Martin ‘Marty’ Jewell
Spotlight on board chairman of Cannabis Equity Coalition of Virginia
In a time of growing econom- ic instability for marginalized communities, E. Martin “Mar- ty” Jewell sees an opportunity in a new industry for Virginia’s minority population and he is determined to seize it.
Dr. Ralph Reavis Sr., pastor, author and former president of Virginia University of Lynchburg, dies at 80
The private Virginia University of Lynchburg was teetering on collapse when Dr. Ralph Reavis Sr. left the pulpit at Riverview Baptist Church in Richmond to respond to a call to save his undergraduate alma mater.
No. 1 Baldwin aces assists for VCU Rams
There’s a new basketball statistic this winter at Virginia Common- wealth University, albeit unofficially. It’s called the “Ace-sist.”
Richmond siblings’ film, ‘Slave Cry,’ to be shown at the Pan African Film & Arts Festival
“Slave Cry,” a film by Richmond filmmaker Jai Jamison that stars his sister, Courtney Jamison, will be screened at the 29th Annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival that runs Feb. 28 through March 14.
New Voting Rights Act headed to governor
Virginia will soon have its own Voting Rights Act to protect against voter suppression and intimidation.
Property in Henrico’s Garden City may be taken for planned development
Some homeowners in Henrico’s Garden City neighborhood may have their property taken for new roads for the $2.3 billion planned GreenCity development.
Mayor Stoney outlines new plan for city in State of City address
The Pulse lanes on Broad Street and in other parts of Richmond will be painted red thanks to a state grant to improve safety for drivers and pedestrians.
New $15.3M apartment complex planned for Jackson Ward
A 67-unit apartment complex targeting lower-income residents is now headed for a long vacant block of Jackson Ward that sits across from historic Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church.
Health insurance marketplace open for enrollment through May 15
Tens of thousands of Virginians who have lost their employer-offered health insurance along with their jobs now have a fresh opportunity to gain coverage.
More federal money available for rental relief in the state
Virginia is pumping an additional $160 million into its rental relief program aimed at helping tenants and landlords avoid eviction proceedings, Gov. Ralph S. Northam announced Tuesday.
Plan to replace Public Safety Building gets greenlight from committee; heads to City Council for approval
City Hall’s proposal to sell off the decrepit, 64-year-old Public Safety Building in Downtown to a private group seeking to create a complex of offices and nonprofit hotels easily cleared a City Council committee Tuesday and is poised for adoption by the full council at its meeting on Monday, Feb. 22.
Free credit repair webinar Feb. 27
The Iota Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity is hosting a free online seminar to help people build and repair their credit.
As death penalty opponent celebrates, vigilance continues
For Dale Brumfield, the likely abolition of the death penalty in Virginia is “a revolution in criminal justice reform.”
Lawmakers kill bill requiring officers to report wrongdoing, render aid
A Senate committee recently killed a bill intended to minimize police misconduct and incentivize accountability among law enforcement.
Hundreds pay final respects to legendary actress Cicely Tyson
People traveled across the country and stood in a block-long line to pay last respects to the late legendary actress Cicely Tyson at a public viewing Monday.
Melvin E. Banks, whose publishing company revolutionized Bible study by incorporating positive images of Black people, dies at 86
Melvin E. Banks, whose company portraying positive images of African-Americans in the biblical experience has grown from its start in the basement of his Chicago home into the largest independent Black Christian publishing house in the United States, died Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021. He was 86.
VUU to restart football this fall
Virginia Union University isn’t just sticking a toe in the water to start the 2021 football season.
WNBA’s Megan Walker traded to the Phoenix Mercury
Megan Walker is taking her jump shot from the Big Apple to the desert.
Darnell Rogers may be small in stature but makes big plays for Maryland-BC
Too short to play basketball? Think again.
Aurealius Thomas, among the first Black All-Americans in college football, dies at 86
Aurealius Thomas, among the Black college football All-Americans, died Friday, Feb. 5, 2021. He was 86.
Former MLB pitcher Grant Jackson dies of COVID-19 complications
Grant Jackson, a pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 1979 “We Are Family” championship team, died Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021, of complications from COVID-19. He was 78.
Musicians and arts come together for VMFA mural in RVA Community Makers 2021
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts will honor five musicians in this year’s RVA Community Makers program celebrating Richmond area artists on Wednesday, Feb. 24.
Black History Month events
A variety of events are planned in and around Richmond for Black History Month.
Voting: A powerful tool
Our nation is in a state of disgrace because of the spineless Republicans in the U.S. Senate.
When will workers get a break?, by Julianne Malveaux
Now that the impeachment trial of the 45th president is over, perhaps our legislators can turn their attention to working people, or more accurately, those who used to work and are now not working.
Black voters expect Biden to be bold, by Dr. Ron Daniels
During a campaign that was repeatedly rescued by Black voters, President Biden pledged to “Build Back Better.”
Protect Brown Grove
Scholar Ruth Wilson Gilmore defines racism as “state-sanctioned and extralegal exposure of group-differentiated vulnerability to premature death,” and environmental racism plays a big role in this premature death.
‘Teachers do not ‘skip’ school’
Re: “Skipping school: Data show that 40% to 60% of Rich- mond area teachers are absent from the classroom 11 or more business days a year,” Free Press Jan. 28-30 edition:
Trump impeachment trial exposed ‘dirty laundry’
In former President Trump’s second impeachment trial, his lead lawyer barely concealed his client’s racism, sexism and anti-Semitism. He directed special vitriol toward Vice President Kamala Harris and House Impeachment Manager Congressman Jamie Raskin.
Hold Trump accountable
Former President Trump incited a deadly insurrection against the U.S. government, according to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky.
Thursday, February 11
Keeping Kamras
Richmond School Board votes 6-3 to extend Superintendent Jason Kamras’ contract for another 4 years
It’s official: Richmond Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras will stay on for another four years.
Love Stories
The Free Press proudly presents its annual Valentine’s Day feature sharing the Love Stories of four Richmond area couples.
The Free Press proudly presents its annual Valentine’s Day feature sharing the Love Stories of four Richmond area couples.
Mayor to deliver State of the City address Feb. 11
First, let’s get the vaccine out to everyone so we can get rid of the virus and the disruption it has caused. Then, let’s craft a recovery that promotes healing and unity and pursues social and economic equity. That’s the message Mayor Levar M. Stoney plans to deliver in his State of the City address, the first of his second term, according to a City Hall official who spoke with the Free Press on the condition of anonymity.
City plans $3.5M sale of Public Safety Building for new development
Unveiled nine months ago, a $325 million plan to replace the city’s decaying Public Safety Building in Downtown is gathering steam.
Neighbors want answers about planned GreenCity development
Barksdale Haggins Sr., 88, was shocked after reading newspaper accounts in early December that Henrico County officials were endorsing a massive 250-acre project to build an entertainment, housing, retail, office and hotel complex dubbed GreenCity near his home on quiet Scott Road. “I really was surprised, very surprised,” Mr. Haggins said.
Contract approval expected for GRTC drivers
Ending a stalemate, GRTC and its union have reached an agreement that will boost pay for drivers of regular and Pulse buses by 12.5 percent over three years. The contract also will upgrade pay for other blue collar employees and improve benefits.
Churches, apartment complex are latest sites for COVID-19 vaccinations
A chance to avoid further danger and tragedy. A message from a trusted pastor or fellow church member. An opportunity to keep themselves, their friends and their families safe. These reasons and others compelled seniors to get vaccinated against COVID-19 last Friday and Saturday during events held by the Richmond and Henrico health districts.
REAL LIFE program expanding
A Richmond-based nonprofit that provides services for the homeless, recovering addicts and former inmates returning to the community from jail and prison is expanding its housing operations.
Salvation Army delays move to new headquarters
The Salvation Army Central Virginia is keeping its headquarters and shelter at 2 W. Grace St. and has no immediate plans to move to North Side.
Vytal Studios to relocate its headquarters
Richmond has snagged an Austin, Texas, developer of cutting-edge educational and training films and materials that expects to create 155 jobs when it opens its new home in South Side.
Advocates frustrated by Democrats’ efforts on police reform
Virginia has made headlines in recent months for criminal justice reform measures but advocates say more needs to be done. They are disappointed lawmakers in both chambers of the General Assembly recently killed proposals to roll back qualified immunity protections for police officers.
Randy Wilson new HomeAgain executive director
Randy Wilson has spent the past 10 years leading the Hope, Unity and Freedom Center in providing supportive services to people with mental, emotional or behavioral challenges.
Landlord must sell properties, undergo housing training in HOME settlement
Richmond area landlord Teresa Vetter has agreed to sell her properties and give up leasing apartments for five years to end a lawsuit accusing her of discrimination against families with children and people with disabilities.
Presidents’ Day holiday closings
In observance of the President’s Day holiday on Monday, Feb. 15, please note the following:
Tom Brady, G.O.A.T. quarterback, takes Tampa Bay to champions’ circle
You can call them the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, or the “Tompa” Bay Bucs or “Brady’s Bunch,” or the golden oldies, but be sure to also call them Super Bowl LV champions.
2 HBCU athletes on rosters for Super Bowl teams
Much has changed during the last 54 years regarding HBCU participation on Super Bowl Sunday.
Local connection to Kansas City Chiefs
There is a local connection between the Richmond area and last Sunday’s Super Bowl.
NSU opts out of football until fall
Norfolk State University, which was scheduled to play its first football game of the season next week, has now decided to opt out of its winter-spring football season because of health concerns linked to the pandemic.
Former heavyweight champion Leon Spinks dies
Leon Spinks, who won Olympic gold and then shocked the boxing world by beating Muhammad Ali to win the heavyweight title in only his eighth pro fight, died Friday, Feb. 5, 2021. He was 67.
Black History Month events calendar this week
A variety of events are planned in and around Richmond for Black History Month.
Equity
We have grave concerns about the state’s COVID-19 vaccine efforts and how those disproportionately impacted by the potentially fatal virus seem to be last on the list to receive inoculation against it.
Kamras, the schools and COVID-19
Richmond Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras got what he wanted this week when the Richmond School Board voted to extend his contract for four years.
The heroes within us, by Oscar H. Blayton
Each February in schools across the nation, pictures of well-known Black historical figures are mounted on bulletin boards in commemoration of Black History Month.
The need for unity, by A. Peter Bailey
As we continue in Black History Month, those who consider themselves Malcolm-ites and those who consider themselves Martin-ites have too often talked the talk but not walked the walk when honoring the legacies of the two great warriors in the war against white supremacy.
Who pays price for death penalty?, by David P. Baugh
This week finds the Commonwealth of Virginia on the verge of eliminating the death penalty.
Equal opportunity
For a year now, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused grievous conditions throughout our world.
Book group welcomes others
Re “Faith leaders issue BHM book challenge to Richmond area residents,” Free Press Feb. 4-6 edition:
Personality: Ryshonna T. Addison
Spotlight on volunteer head of program administration with Community 50/50
For more than 10 years, Community 50/50 has worked to empower youths and families in the Greater Richmond area. And for more than 10 years, Ryshonna Taylise Addison has been there as the organization strives to create positive ripples through community service.
Kamras: RPS has too many obstacles to reopen safely by March 15
With all due respect, governor: No way, no how.
Virginia is poised to eliminate the death penalty
The death penalty has been a staple of Virginia law since the first English settlers arrived in Jamestown.
Mary Wilson, the longest reigning original Supreme, dies at 76
Mary Wilson, an original member of The Supremes who is considered the force that kept the hugely popular trio together through the internal strife that mounted with their success, has died. She was 76.
Opponents to Fourth Baptist Church’s incorporation tie up names with SCC
The rush to incorporate Fourth Baptist Church apparently has slowed after opponents temporarily claimed the church’s name along with eight variations.
Russell Wilson wins distinguished Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award
The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award recognizes a player’s excellence on and off the field.
Thursday, February 4
Act to fix broken immigration system
Thank you for your coverage of the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. I was particularly moved by the inclusive nature of the inauguration and the immediate steps to make sure our government values all members of our community.
Expect the radical left to ‘start tearing down ... America’
Since Nov. 3, I have spoken to many people who voted for the Biden-Harris ticket. They told me they did so hoping a woman of color would be in the White House and/or because they personally hate Donald J. Trump.
What has happened to the Black church?
Re “Fourth Baptist Church tumult raises concern among congregation,” Free Press Jan. 21-23 edition:
Samuel W. Tucker was a ‘giant among giants’
As we enter Black History Month, don’t forget Samuel W. Tucker.
Celebrating the Black Family, by Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham
At the opening of Black History Month, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, or ASALH, announces the 2021 Black History theme — “The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity.”
‘A lot left to be done’, by Ben Jealous
February is Black History Month — and Black people just made a whole lot of history.
Automatic restoration of felons’ voting rights
We have long called for the voting rights of felons to be restored automatically once they have served their time.
Accountability
We are over Chesterfield state Sen. Amanda Chase and her middle age Barbie twin, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia.
Black History Month events calendar 2021
A variety of events are planned in and around Richmond for Black History Month.
VUU’s Joe Taylor to serve on College Football Playoff Selection Committee
Virginia Union University Athletic Director Joe Taylor has been appointed as one of five new members of the College Football Playoff Selection Committee.
Randolph-Macon in pursuit of national basketball championship
The pursuit of a national basketball championship is well underway just north of Richmond.
VCU’s Hason Ward challenging Ren Watson’s blocked shots record
Lorenza “Ren” Watson wrote the book at Virginia Commonwealth University on on blocking shots. Now Hason Ward seems intent on scripting a chapter of his own.
Legendary Coach John Chaney dies at 89
Retired Temple University basketball Coach John Chaney, who was among the most successful Black coaches in basket- ball history, died Friday, Jan. 29, 2021, following a short illness. He was 89.
Black clergy offer churches as COVID-19 vaccination sites
After more than 1,100 people received the coronavirus vaccine in the fellowship hall of a Black church in Oklahoma City, its pastor credited trust and teamwork for the accom- plishment.
Equity issues surround COVID-19 vaccinations
Is there inequitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine to people of color?
Sheila K. Mandt, fundraising consultant and wife of former Councilman Chris A. Hilbert, succumbs at 55
Sheila Kavanagh Mandt, wife and political adviser to former 3rd District City Councilman Chris A. Hilbert and a fundraising guru for nonprofits, has died.
Civics education see resurgence in current national climate
Ma’asehyahu Isra-Ul recalls his high school days growing up in Richmond and being captivated by news reports about the fall of Communism in Eastern Europe in the 1980s.
VSU launches no-cost tuition initiative for qualified high school seniors
A federal Pell Grant will be all 300 qualified high school seniors in Richmond and other nearby localities must have financially to enroll as full-time students at Virginia State University in the fall.
City tax amnesty application process now open
City Hall is now accepting applications for tax amnesty on real estate taxes and some businesses taxes.
City facing potential $15M deficit?
Is there a big hole developing in Rich- mond’s budget? And could spending be proposed to shrink in the new 2021-22 budget that Mayor Levar M. Stoney will present in March?
GOP Sen. Amanda Chase sues after being censured
A firebrand conservative state senator from Chesterfield County seeking the Republican nomination for governor filed a federal lawsuit Monday that seeks to undo her legislative colleagues’ recent decision to censure her for an alleged “pattern of unacceptable conduct.”
Kamras gets overwhelming public support for 4-year contract
Richmond Public Schools parents and students, teachers and staff overwhelmingly voiced their support for Superintendent Jason Kamras’ contract to be renewed for four years.
Virginia adopts permanent COVID-19 workplace safety and health standards
Social distancing, face masks, sanitation, infectious disease preparedness and response plans are now mandated for public and private workplaces in Virginia following Gov. Ralph S. Northam’s recent approval of permanent workplace safety and health standards.
Legend of screen and television Cicely Tyson dies at 96
Actress Cicely Tyson, whose legendary roles portraying the history and humanity of Black people won awards and touched hearts, has died.
Super performances expected from Devin White and Tyrann Mathieu in Super Bowl LV
If Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes are the rocket launchers for Super Bowl LV, then Devin White and Tyrann Mathieu represent the anti-aircraft.
Faith leaders issue BHM book challenge to Richmond area residents
Challenge to Richmond area residents: Spend February reading award-winning journalist Isabel Wilkerson’s widely praised book, “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents,” then participate in a Zoom discussion of the book 7 p.m. Monday, March 1.
Roxie Raines Kornegay Allison, whose activism led to diversity on state boards and commissions, dies at 83
Roxie Raines Kornegay Allison championed Black inclusion in government and public contracting while also opening her heart and her home to children and adults who needed a helping hand.
Personality: Douglas Powell aka ‘Roscoe Burnems’
Spotlight on Richmond’s first poet laureate
Douglas Powell is many things — a poet, author and spoken word artist who performs under the alias Roscoe Burnems. He is a National Poetry Slam champion, a former TEDx speaker, a husband, father and teacher who has contributed to a number of creative endeavors in Richmond. And now, Mr. Powell has been selected to serve as the city’s first poet laureate.
3 ousted in Richmond Police shakeup
Richmond Police Chief Gerald M. Smith overhauled his command staff this week in his first big personnel shakeup since taking office seven months ago.
Fired
Kirk Showalter, Richmond’s voter registrar, is dismissed by the Richmond Electoral Board after multiple complaints surrounding the Nov. 3 general election
J. Kirk Showalter’s 25-year reign as Richmond’s voter registrar is over.
