Thursday, August 25
Youngkin partnership pushes Petersburg’s economic health
Majority-black Petersburg is getting special treatment from Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin.
$10,000
Biden announces big student loan forgiveness plan
President Biden on Wednesday announced his long-awaited plan to deliver on a campaign promise to provide $10,000 in student debt cancellation for millions of Americans — and up to $10,000 more for those with the greatest financial need — along with new measures to lower the burden of repayment for their remaining federal student debt.
On a roll
Petersburg’s casino prospects gain momentum
Petersburg has already started interviewing developers as the Cockade City’s prospects for replacing Richmond as a host city for an upscale casino-resort appear to be gaining momentum.
Jackson State adds former NFL analyst, banner class of recruits
Deion Sanders is pulling out all the stops to bring an HBCU national football championship to Jackson State.
VMHC and The Community Foundation partner on film series
The Community Foundation for a greater Richmond and the Virginia Museum of History & Culture have announced a five-year strategic partnership focused on new and expanded community programming.
‘House of the Dragon,’ HBO’s top series premiere ever
Fearsome dragons stay in more diverse scripting
Nearly 10 million people saw the premiere of “House of the Dragon” on Sunday, Aug. 21, making the “Game of Thrones” spinoff HBO’s most-watched series premiere in the network’s history.
Happily Natural Day offers music, speakers, self-sufficiency tools
Live music, speakers, vendors and more will be featured at the 19th annual Happily Natural Day and Garden Expo from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.Saturday, Aug. 27, at the Fifth District Mini Farm, 2208 Bainbridge St., it has been announced.
TJ goes against Armstrong in season opener
Thomas Jefferson High School football is a success story of which all Richmonders can be proud.
Burning Sands foundation to present $60,000 to VUU
VUU’s football season is kicking off with a financial boon, as the Burning Sands Alumni Football Foundation plans to present Virginia Union University $60,000 from its endowment fund to support football scholarships at the college.
Hopewell’s legendary coach Bill Littlepage dies
Legendary coach led a mostly Black team to state title
When the TV show, “The White Shadow,” debuted in 1978, it starred Ken Howard as the white coach of a mostly African-American basketball team. Bill Littlepage, who died Aug. 16 at age 87, beat Hollywood to it.
Hoops camp offers food, backpacks
The Armando Bacot Back to School Basketball Camp is set for Sept. 3-4 at Big Ben’s Home Court, 2206 Westwood Ave. The event is free.
Braves enjoy homegrown talent with Michael Harris
Rising star could be National League Rookie of Year
Major League Baseball teams toss their fishnets all over the globe in hope of landing talent. No distance is too far. Other times teams get lucky and find what they’re looking for in their own backyard.
‘Defund the FBI’? Seriously?, by Clarence Page
Yes, I had to polish my eyeglasses and put them back on for a second look before I could believe what the always provocative and occasionally rational Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene had just tweeted. In a takeoff on the Black Lives Matter slogan, she tweeted “Defund the FBI.” Cute. Barely a step ahead of other like- minded law- makers, the Georgia Re- publican went on to sell hats and other sou- venir merchan- dise online with the slogan, all in response to the FBI’s execution of a search warrant at Mar-a-Lago, the Florida home of her hero, former President Donald Trump. Although more than a dozen other Republicans publicly shared Rep. Greene’s sentiments, others, like Texas Rep. Dan Crenshaw, were not amused. Although he was “impressed Democrats finally got us to say, ‘Defund the FBI,’” he said sarcastically, the slogan “makes you look unserious, when you start talking like that.” On that, I agree. I have ex- pressed similar criticism of the original “Defund the police” sloganasitemergedamid global protests by the Black Lives Matter movement follow- ing George Floyd’s murder by police in 2020. Although apologists defended the slogan as a call for construc- tively rethinking policies that pile too many social service burdens on police, conservatives easily turned it into a call for softness on crime. Now, in another ironic twist, a disturbing number of Repub- licans are using it to call for softness on Donald Trump. After the FBI search at the Mar-a-Lago estate, many Trump supporters have turned a slogan they hate into one that they love, Clarence Page even at the cost of the GOP calls to “Support the police” and “Back the Blue” going back at least to Richard M. Nixon’s 1968 presidential campaign. Florida GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz, whom I call Rep.Greene’s brother in shameless grandstand- ing, threatened to give “not one more damn penny” to the FBI and other such agencies. To which BLM tweeted back with “you are corny..... But we’ll work with you to defund and dismantle the FBI. Welcome to #DefundThePolice.” While most of the GOP’s establishment leaders stayed out of the fray, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Cali- fornia tweeted after the search, “The Department of Justice has reached an intolerable state of weaponized politicization.” Thisisthesameleaderwho, during a Police Week speech in May, said “hateful rhetoric” and policies have helped create an “environment of rising crime and put our officers in danger.” The search came after Mr. Trump failed to comply with polite invitations to return clas- sified government documents he had taken to his home. Instead, he claimed to have declared the documents “declassified” without any documentation to back that up. That’s not how declassification is done, especially when you’re no longer president. Now we see some Republi- cans finding virtue in “Defund the FBI” as a rallying cry for Trump’s MAGA (Make America Great Again) base. They’re hungrily looking for some solace amid the pile of scandals threatening their favorite potential candidate. So far, echoing Mr. Trump’s FBI attacks appears remarkably to be working, even in the wake of shocking revelations uncovered by the House Select Committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection. After the committee took its summer break, a poll by The New York Times and Siena College showed Trump support had weakened. But after the search at Mar-a- Lago, a new poll by the Trafalgar Group and the Convention of States Action revealed more than 80 percent of Republican respondents said the feds’ action made them more motivated to vote in this November’s midterm elections. Regardless, our justice system is being tested in this case, along withourdemocracy.Let’stake our time and do it right. Our system of justice isn’t perfect but, for now, it’s all we’ve got. The writer is a syndicated columnist and senior member of the Chicago Tribune edito- rial board.
Democracy should not be a partisan issue, by Jesse L. Jackson Sr.
While the United States champions democracy across the world, our own democracy is under siege. Nothing is more fundamental to democracy than the right to vote – yet there is no explicit guarantee of the right to vote in the U.S. Constitution.
Will the winner break the house?
There are many ways to characterize Richmond politics: shrewd, calculating, personality-driven, or transactional are a few labels that come to mind.
Delegates Filler-Corn and McQuinn launch interfaith reproductive coalition
Two Democratic members of the House of Delegates are seeking to rally Christians, Jews, Muslims and other people of faith who support abortion.
RRHA takes steps to collect rent from tenants
Nearly 1,750 housing residents in arrears
Notices to pay past due rent have hit the mailboxes this month of public housing residents who have fallen behind.
Nonprofits urged to file complaint against defunct umbrella foundation
Richmond City Councilwoman Stephanie A. Lynch is encouraging organizations whose funds disappeared after the collapse of the Enrichmond Foundation to file a complaint with the Richmond Police Department.
Minister continues legal pursuit of control of Fourth Baptist Church
The battle for control of historic Fourth Baptist Church is once again headed to court.
SOL scores remain low for RPS
Illness, isolation, trauma faulted for dismal test results
Richmond Public Schools’ Standard of Learning test scores remain below pre-pandemic levels, coming in the same for reading, but falling in math and science when compared with scores from last year.
A space for fun ... and dreams
Marsh Elementary School’s colorful new playground spells success
Henry L. Marsh III Elementary School, named after former state Sen. Henry L. Marsh III, one of Richmond’s African-American political trailblazers, opened two years ago at 813 N. 28th St.
George Wythe Principal Riddick T. Parker Jr. dies at 49
George Wythe High School in South Side will start a new school year Monday, Aug. 29, without the principal who was looking forward to starting his second year of helping students achieve success in school and in their future careers.
Upbeat about Armonii Burden
Armonii Burden would love to be known as the second-best defensive player to ever come out of Williamsburg’s Lafayette High School. The incomparable Lawrence Taylor, of course, is No. 1 on that list.
Personality: Lynette Lewis Allston
Spotlight on the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Board of Trustees president
When the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts named its newest Board of Trustees president, Lynette Lewis Allston became the first Native American elected to the role in the museum’s 86- year history. The current chief and chair emeritus of the Tribal Council of the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia also will be the first Native American board chair of a top 10 U.S. comprehensive art museum.
Excavation of graves begins at site of Colonial Black church
Archaeologists in Virginia began excavating three suspected graves at the original site of one of the nation’s oldest Black churches on July 18, 2022, commencing a month's long effort to learn who was buried there and how they lived.
Thursday, August 18
Tillman shoots for gold in Denver
Basketball has taken Justin Tillman around the world. Now he’s back in the U.S. and looking to play on the highest level — the NBA.
Charles Leno’s durable tackles, high rankings
If Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz is to be safe and successful in his first season in Washington, Charles Leno Jr. might be a top-of-the-list reason why.
Los Angeles high school basketball team’s 4 players with famous dads
It would be noteworthy for a high school basketball team to have one son of a famous NBA player. But four?
Book has insight, no clear answer on Ralph Northam blackface yearbook photo
A Virginia author’s investigative effort to uncover the origins of a racist photo on Ralph Northam’s medical school yearbook page has ended inconclusively, according to the author, who has written a book that offers new details about the 2019 scandal and the former governor’s remarkable political survival.
NBA retires Bill Russell’s jersey
Patches, logos will honor the late basketball legend
Bill Russell’s No. 6 jersey will never be issued again to another NBA player.
Glennys E. Fleming, Girl Scout leader, community servant, dies at 68
When Glennys Elaine Fleming joined an organization, others quickly took note of her energy, dedication and passion.
Portsmouth to name street for hometown hero Missy Elliott
A Virginia city is honoring hometown hero Missy Elliott by naming a boulevard in a new entertainment district after her.
Legal weapon
City’s plans for Ashe Center unlikely to win in court, says pro bono lawyer
City Hall would violate state and city laws if it moves to tear down the Arthur Ashe Jr. Athletic Center and sell the site without the permission of the Richmond School Board.
Mixed deal
Sheriff’s playing cards lack ‘empathy’ for crime victims’ loved ones
Sheriff Antionette V. Irving, who has been under fire for her jail management and attacks on deputies, has sought to shift the narrative.
A first: African-American marine promoted to 4-star general
The first African-American four-star general in Marine Corps history, Gen. Michael E. Langley, credited his father with telling him to “aim high” and predicted that his recent rank would have an impact on younger people.
Personality: Lynda Sharp Anderson
Spotlight on the president and CEO of The DBALSA Foundation
Three decades ago, when Lynda Sharp went to a magazine marketing event with friends, she didn’t know the young man named Dolson Barnett Anderson Jr. who was there with friends of his own. They both volunteered to help the magazine, became better acquainted and later became a married couple. The rest, Mrs. Anderson said, is history.
Church of Christ Pastor Joseph H. Brown dies at age 85
One of Richmond’s longest serving ministers, Pastor Joseph Hugh Brown, has died. Pastor Brown, who served the Church of Christ for more than 50 years, died Monday, Aug. 1, 2022. He was 85.
VSU hopes for a winning season
With football practices in full swing, Virginia State University is hopeful some of that Bowie State Bulldogs magic rubs off on the Trojans.
Cultural traditions and world music highlight Down Home Family Reunion
African and African-American folklife will be celebrated and explored during the 31st Down Home Family Reunion on Saturday, Aug. 20, in Jackson Ward’s Abner Clay Park.
Liberation Church’s intent is children’s learning center, not homeless shelter, says pastor
The founding pastor of Liberation Church is pushing back against a report that the city was considering placing a large homeless shelter on the site of the main sanctuary at 5501 Midlothian Turnpike. Founding Pastor Jay Patrick said the church never considered that idea.
NSU’s former president remembered
Dr. Marie McDemmond’s vision boosted university’s technology focus
Marie Valentine McDemmond, the first female president of Norfolk State Univer- sity and the first African-American woman to lead a four-year college in Virginia, is being remembered as a history-maker and educational visionary. Dr. McDemmond, who led NSU from 1997 to 2005 before illness led to her retire- ment, succumbed to cancer on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, at her retirement home in Florida. She was 76. Her groundbreaking service to NSU and higher education was celebrated at a memorial service Saturday, Aug. 13, in Fort
Federal transportation allocates $18M for Arthur Ashe Boulevard Bridge replacement
Transportation in the Commonwealth is getting a massive investment of federal dollars, as over $64 million in funding is set to be distributed across six different transportation projects and eight localities, with the goal of increased affordability, safety and connectivity for supplies.
ACLU challenges amendment blocking inmates’ early release
The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia has filed a legal challenge to a last-minute amendment to the state budget that blocked the planned early release of hundreds of inmates this summer.
Richmond Folk Festival returns in October
The Richmond Folk Festival, an annual free, three-day event celebrating the diversity of American culture through music and dance performances, will take place Oct. 7-9 on Brown’s Island in Richmond. In its 18th year, the festival will include 30 musicians and dance groups performing on six stages. Several new, first-time artists will premiere eight cultural traditions that never have been presented at the festival. The music and dance program this year ranges from bluegrass to hip-hop to zydeco. Other features of the festival include demonstra- tions, an interactive family area produced by the Children’s Museum of Richmond, handmade crafts, merchandise for sale and food vendors. About 200,000 people are expected to attend the event during the weekend. The schedule is: Oct. 7, 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m., Oct. 8 12-9:30 p.m., and Oct. 9, 12-6 p.m. Parking is available near the festival site and, although shuttles will not be provided this year, several GRTC bus routes will offer free rides to the riverfront. Presented by Venture Richmond Events, the festival is presented in partnership with the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA), the Virginia Folklife Program, the Center for Cultural Vibrancy, Children’s Museum, and the City of Richmond. For more information, visit https://www.richmondfolkfestival.org/.
Richmond reduces charge for natural gas
The cost that Richmond customers must pay for natural gas is coming down, for now.
VUU appoints director of global and online learning
Tunesha Witcher has been appointed director of VUU Global and Online Learning in the Division of Academic Affairs.
Rita Dove is among Library of Virginia finalists for the 25th Annual Literary Awards
Nine finalists have been selected for the 25th Annual Library of Virginia Literary Awards, the Commonwealth’s premier celebration honoring Virginia writers and their contributions to literature. Acclaimed poet and former U.S. poet laureate Rita
Local cosmetologists weigh in on licensing change
Aspiring cosmetologists inVirginia may soon become licensed without working as many hours as their more seasoned peers once did.
A big deal
Let’s be clear. Your grocery bill won’t go down and your rent won’t drop because President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Action into law on Tuesday. But make no mistake, this legislation has all the earmarks of a big deal.
Revolutions, evolutions and Serena Williams, by Julianne Malveaux
Unquestionably, Venus and Serena Williams revolutionized women’s tennis. With serves that approached the speed of light, fantastic agility, exceptional athleticism, and the grace of gazelles, they changed how women played tennis.
Fearmongering, by David Marshall
During the Trump presidency, the pontiff continued to speak out. He said the president was “not Christian” because of his views on immigration and ought to extend protections to undocumented young immigrants if he is actually “pro-life.”
Serena’s legacy: Plenty of wins, plenty of stands on issues
A couple of days before Serena Williams claimed the 22nd of her 23 Grand Slam singles titles at Wimbledon in 2016, she was asked what she makes of it when people refer to her as one of history’s greatest female athletes. Her reply: She prefers being characterized as “one of the greatest athletes of all time.” That one, brief response from Williams said quite a lot — about her one-of-a- kind talent with a racket in hand, about her status as an icon, about her willingness to stand up for herself, about why women’s sports should not be thought of any differently than men’s sports. That all came to mind again Tuesday, when Williams indi- cated she is preparing to walk away from her professional tennis career as the start of the U.S. Open approaches on Aug. 29 and her 41st birthday next month nears. Yes, with shouts of “Come on!” marking the journey, she’s won the most major singles championships in the profes- sional era of tennis, which began in 1968; more than the 22 for Steffi Graf or Rafael Nadal, more than the 21 for Novak Djokovic, more than the 20 for Roger Federer, more than the 18 for Chris Evert or Martina Navratilova, more than anyone else. And, yes, Williams won a total of 73 tour-level singles titles and spent more than six years’ worth of weeks ranked No. 1. And she combined with older sister Venus to claim 14 Grand Slam women’s doubles titles. And then there are the four Olympic gold medals. Still, mere numbers can’t capture everything Williams has represented during a dis- tinguished career that began when she was a teenager in the 1990s and is remarkable for not just the successes but also the longevity, including a record10majorchampionships after turning 30. “She’s lasted longer than most, if not all, female tennis pros. She’s transcended tennis and become a leader on many important cultural, social and gender issues. She has lived an extraordinary life,” Evert wrote in a text message to The Associated Press, “and will undoubtedly continue to crash the glass ceiling in the future.” Indeed, what Williams did without a racket in her hand is rather noteworthy, and extends past the millions in endorse- ment deals; the flirtations with acting; the interest in fashion design and penchant for bring- ing the catwalk to the court with body suits and knee-high boots and whatever else she decided to try; the celebrity and place in pop culture; and, most recently, the work as a venture capitalist (“Seventy-eight per- cent of our portfolio happens to be companies started by women and people of color, because that’s who we are,” Williams said). “It is important to take a step back and think about everything that Serena has brought to our sport and what she has accomplished both on and off the court,” said Steve
Thursday, August 11
Plunky and Oneness on again this weekend
After last week’s show was wiped out by heavy rains, Plunky and Oneness has been rescheduled to perform 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14, at the Dogwood Dell amphitheater.
When tenants don’t pay, eviction is the price, says one landlord
Landlords are in trouble, too, according to Bobby L. McIntosh, who is in charge of 109 units in Richmond through his company, Bayside Properties and Management.
Uncertain future
Richmond man says he’s being evicted after a lifetime of working and paying his bills
Phillip E. Brown Sr. is packing up his belongings as he faces being homeless.
Breonna Taylor supporters relieved by charges against police
Ahmaud Arbery’s assailants receive second life prison sentence while a street is named in his honor
Louisville activists put in long hours on phones and in the streets, working tirelessly to call for arrests in the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor — but it was mostly two years filled with frustration. They saw their fortunes suddenly change when the federal government filed civil rights charges on Aug. 4 against four Louisville police officers over the “drug raid” that led to the death of Ms. Taylor.
Clarence ‘Ollie’ Oliver of Supreme Hairstyling, dies at 53
Clarence Edgar “Ollie” Oliver, a professional barber who worked in the family business with his father, died on Monday, July 25, 2022, a little more than a week shy of his 54th birthday.
Personality: Bryan Price
Spotlight on the board chairman of Equality Virginia
Part of Bryan Price’s email signature includes his favorite quote. It is from Muhammad Ali, and it speaks to the things we see as impossible to overcome — and to the power of each of us to affect change in the world.
Panthers eye contenders for quarterback vacancy
Auditions are underway at Virginia Union University.
Motown songwriter, producer Lamont Dozier dead at 81
Lamont Dozier, the middle name of the celebrated Holland-Dozier-Holland team that wrote and produced “You Can’t Hurry Love,” “Heat Wave” and dozens of other hits and helped make Motown an essential record company of the 1960s and beyond, has died at age 81.
‘We’re not giving up’
Urban One leadership acknowledges casino vote delay
Forget about a second vote on a casino-resort in November.
BLCK Street sessions inspire entrepreneurs
A common thread throughout the inaugural BLCK Street Conference earlier this week was encouragement and advice on everything from organizing finances to mentoring.
Richmond Police chief says he will no longer discuss alleged July 4 mass shooting
Richmond Police Chief Gerald M. Smith, suffering from a credibility gap, has shut down any further comment on the alleged terrorist plot to shoot up the Dogwood Dell amphitheater during the Independence Day celebration last month that led to two arrests.
Hearing set for A.P. Hill statue’s new home
The fate of the statue of Confederate Gen. A.P. Hill that still stands in North Side could be decided on Tuesday, Aug. 30.
Developers want to convert old school into apartments
A $55 million apartment complex is being proposed to transform the long vacant Oak Grove Elementary School in South Side – but that plan is facing competition as well as pushback from the neighborhood civic association.
Local groups announce back-to-school giveaways
Are you or someone you know struggling to buy school supplies for your children?
Petersburg policeman found not guilty in tasing incident
A Petersburg Police officer was acquitted on Aug. 4 of misdemeanor assault charges for using a taser twice last October on a resident who allegedly walked around the city openly carrying firearms.
Historic credit union will offer home mortgages
It took 86 years, but South Side-based Richmond Heritage Federal Credit Union is finally able to offer home loans.
The business of being Black never ends
August is Black Business Month, and it’s safe to say that most Black business owners agree that running a business is a 12-month marathon.
More trees, fewer guns, by Thomas P. Kapsidelis
By now we’ve all become familiar with maps showing how many millions of Americans have been exposed to historically dangerous weather conditions during this long, hot summer.
Kansans reject anti-choice proposal, by Ben Jealous
Red flags are flying for democracy and democratic values. We need to pay attention to the threats—and also to signs that we can work together to preserve our freedoms.
UR to recognize Weldon Edwards, its first Black football player
Weldon Edwards is still in the news at the University of Richmond a half century after he wore a helmet and shoulder pads.
Formal wear replaces shoulder pads at football training site
The Bon Secours Training Center sits mostly silent these days with the most action likely to occur is a frilly weekend wedding.
Kremlin says Griner swap must be discussed without publicity
The Kremlin said Aug. 5 that it’s open to talking about a possible prisoner exchange involving American basketball star Brittney Griner, but strongly warned Washington against publicizing the issue. Griner, a two-time U.S. Olympic champion and an eight-time all-star with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, has been detained in Russia since Feb. 17 after police at a Moscow airport said they found vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage.
Jackie Robinson Museum opens in New York
More than 4,000 artifacts trace baseball legend’s life
Tourists have a new “must- see” destination on trips to New York.
Ebony and Jet archives transferred to Smithsonian and Getty Research Institute
More than 4 million photos from Ebony and Jet magazine that captured African-American life, history and culture in the 20th century are now the property of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Review: Beyoncé escapes to dance world in ‘Renaissance’
Beyoncé has been reborn again; this time it’s on a shimmering dance floor.
It’s time for the Down Home Family Reunion
The Elegba Folklore Society will host the 31st Down Home Family Reunion: A Celebration of African American Folklife on Saturday, Aug. 20, from 4 to 11 p.m. at Abner Clay Park, 200 W. Clay St.
Dr. Taleshia L. Chandler, educator and first lady of Cedar Street Baptist Church, dies
Cedar Street Baptist Church of God is mourning the loss of its first lady, educator, author and inspiring church singer, Taleshia Lenshell “Lady C” Chandler.
Roe v. Wade’s impact on professional women athletes, by Donald J. Adams Jr.
June 23 marked the 50th anniversary of Title IX — a federal law passed in 1972 that outlawed discrimination based on sex in educational institutions. For women in sports, the law enabled them to perform in athletics with equal funding and many of the same opportunities given men in collegiate athletics. A day after this landmark anniversary, athletes were no longer celebrating the freedoms they were given 50 years ago.
Thursday, August 4
City housing director, church leaders discuss shelter options
$3M on the table for homeless
Ninth District City Councilman Michael J. Jones hopes a network of churches can be developed to provide shelter for the homeless during inclement weather, particularly during winter cold.
Nichelle Nichols, Lt. Uhura on ‘Star Trek,’ dies at 89
Nichelle Nichols, who broke barriers for Black women in Hollywood as communications officer Lt. Uhura on the original “Star Trek” television series, has died at the age of 89.
Great expectations
Spartans rely on Davis’ offensive moves for wins
J.J. Davis was a freshman phenom last year at Norfolk State University, and much more is expected this season from the now sophomore.
Hopewell and Chester alums candidates for major college football awards
The 804 area code is producing big-time running backs.
Virginia Union golfers’ academic skills saluted
Virginia Union University’s golf team believes in posting low scores on the course but high scores in the classroom.
‘The Lioness’ gets her prey
Amanda Nunes had revenge in her corner and that, combined with her flying fists and feet, was enough to regain her UFC bantamweight belt.
‘Chief Connection Officer’
Former NSU point guard is among nation’s top rugby players
As a Norfolk State University women’s basketball point guard, Jazamine “Jaz” Gray was known for her passing talent. She tossed for 230 career assists. Since then, Gray has passed the test in another sport — rugby.
DOJ: Buffett company discriminated against Black homebuyers
A Pennsylvania mortgage company owned by billionaire businessman Warren Buffett’s company discriminated against potential Black and Latino homebuyers in Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware, the Department of Justice said Wednesday, in what is being called the second-largest redlining settlement in history. Trident Mortgage Co., a division of Berkshire Hathaway’s HomeServices of America, deliberately avoided writing mortgages in minority-majority neighborhoods in West Philadelphia such as Malcolm X Park; Camden, N.J.; and in Wilmington, Del., the Justice Department and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said in their settlement with Trident.
City Council collective bargaining vote is a win
I want to say kudos to Richmond City Council for voting and allowing most city employees to unionize.
HUD announces $2.8B in grants for homeless services
The Department of Housing and Urban Development is providing $2.8 billion in fresh funding for homeless services organizations across the country. The funding, announced Monday, will be allocated via competitive bids through HUD’s Continuum of Care Program, the largest source of federal grant support to housing and services programs for people experiencing homelessness.
MAGA meets fascism, by Clarence Page
As much as I call myself a zealot for free speech, I also find it prudent sometimes to remember the value of not speaking. Or, at least, in pursuit of reasoned discourse I will seek a substitute that sounds less inflammatory.
Plan won’t end economic violence, by Julianne Malveaux
The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, signed into law on June 25, 2022, was a win for the Biden-Harris Administration.
Who’s manning Richmond City Jail?
For several weeks the Richmond Free Press has reported ongoing violence at Richmond’s City Jail.
No charges for officer who pepper-sprayed Army lieutenant
A former police officer in Virginia should not be criminally charged but should be investigated for potential civil rights violations after he pepper-sprayed, struck and handcuffed a Black U.S. Army lieutenant during a 2020 traffic stop, a special prosecutor has determined.
Virginia Court of Appeals denies Terrence Richardson’s innocence petition
An effort to free two Sussex County men sentenced to life in jail following the 1998 murder of a Waverly police officer continues to face major obstacles after a petition to exonerate one of the convicted men was rejected after months of legal deliberation.
Jackson Ward Collective hosts business conference
The term “Black Wall Street” is often associated with the prosperous residential and business community that was destroyed in the Tulsa, Okla., massacre 101 years ago. But there were similar places of prosperity in Black communities throughout the United States, including Richmond’s Jackson Ward.
From the Free Press to the front office
From the Free Press to the front office St. Joe’s student-athlete flexes writing skills as summer news intern
Most journalists will tell you that nothing beats seeing your name in print or having something tangible that says to family, friends and future employers, “I did this.”
RPS receives award for fighting hunger
Richmond Public Schools is one of six school districts in the state to receive a 2022 Food for Thought Award from the Virginia School Boards Association.
Cities face crisis as fewer kids enroll and schools shrink
On a recent morning inside Chalmers School of Excellence on Chicago’s West Side, five preschool and kindergarten students finished up drawings. Four staffers, including a teacher and a tutor, chatted with them about colors and shapes. The summer program offers the kind of one-on-one support parents love. But behind the scenes, Principal Romian Crockett worries the school is becoming precariously small.
Property owners given more time to apply for tax exemptions
Elderly and totally disabled property owners in Richmond will have the whole year to apply for exemptions from real estate taxes, beginning in January 2023.
Judge, after slow process, tosses lawsuit seeking new Virginia elections
Members of the Virginia House of Delegates can continue to represent unconstitutional districts that the state Supreme Court abolished in December.
City to exchange gift cards for rifles, handguns, broken weapons
Richmond’s first gun buyback program — largely regarded by experts as a publicity stunt — is set for 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at Liberation Church, 5501 Midlothian Turnpike, Mayor Levar M. Stoney announced Tuesday.
Conflict of interest sparks tense discussion for RPS School Board
The Arthur Ashe Jr. Athletic Center arose as a topic of discussion during the Richmond School Board meeting Monday night.
Appreciation: Bill Russell lived a life like very few others
Bill Russell hated autographs. Saw no point to them. If he was out din- ing and got approached by someone asking for his signature, Mr. Russell’s usual response was to instead ask the person to join him at the table to have
City jail inmate charged for attacking deputy
It took three weeks, but a Richmond City Justice Center inmate with a long rap sheet has been charged with the malicious wounding July 7 of a female deputy whose jaw was shattered and who suffered other serious facial injuries in a brutal attack.
The NMAAHC celebrates hip-hop with block party
The National Museum of African American History and Culture will host its first Hip- Hop Block Party on Saturday, Aug. 13 at the Washington, D.C. museum.
Basketball icon Bill Russell dies
William Felton “Bill” Russell, the greatest team sports champion of all time and the NBA’s first Black superstar, died Sunday, July 31, 2022.
James William Cheagle, who fought discrimination in law enforcement, dies at 79
Retired Richmond Police Capt. James William Cheagle, who was a leader in fighting racial bigotry within the department, has died.
Personality: Vanessa Evans
Spotlight on president of the Richmond Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Sorority life is a point of pride for Vanessa Evans.
Harris cites climate ‘crisis,’ pushes $1B for floods, storms
Vice President Kamala Harris called climate change an “immediate” and “urgent” crisis on Aug. 1 as she detailed more than $1 billion in federal spending to respond to disasters such as deadly flooding in Kentucky and wildfires ravaging her home state of California.
Big mistake
Tear gas released on Lee statue protesters was in error
Twenty-five minutes before an 8 p.m. curfew was to go into effect, Richmond Police officers began firing tear gas and other noxious chemical agents to disperse hundreds of demonstrators who had gathered around the now removed Robert E. Lee statue in the city’s West End.
