Thursday, March 31
Training program for released convicts faces shutdown
Rodney Brown had just served a six-year sentence in prison in 2018 when he found his way to the nonprofit Adult Alternative Program at 4929 Chamberlayne Ave. in the city’s North Side.
Signs of the times
University of Richmond campus buildings honoring slaveholders and segregationists are getting new names after years of pushing Board of Trustees to make changes
Six buildings on the University of Richmond’s campus are being cleansed of the names of slaveholders and champions of segregation, including a building named in honor of the university’s founding president, the Rev. Robert Ryland.
Biden signs historic Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act
In a ceremony in the White House Rose Garden, President Biden sat at a small desk and put his signature on the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act that now makes lynching punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
Personality: Dr. Regenia A. Perry
Spotlight on groundbreaking art historian and collector of African-American folk art
Growing up poor in Clarksville, Dr. Regenia A. Perry was regarded as a lost cause by some teachers in the community, unlikely to amount to much because of her outspoken and inquisitive nature.
Jordan Peebles to play in HBCU All-Star Game in New Orleans
Jordan Peebles isn’t putting away his sneakers anytime soon.
Brenda Howlett Melvin, retired educator, dies at 76
Brenda Eulalia Howlett Melvin, a retired educator described by her family as “a ray of sunshine” and a person “who loved to celebrate everything and everyone,” died Monday, March 21, 2022, in a local hospital.
Motion Picture Academy condemns Will Smith’s actions, launches inquiry
It has been called “the slap heard around the world.”
Collins 1st GOP senator to support Judge Jackson for U.S. Supreme Court
Republican Sen. Susan Collins announced Wednesday that she would vote to seat Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson on the U.S. Supreme Court, delivering President Joe Biden a bipartisan vote for his first high court nominee.
Pressure grows for Justice Thomas to recuse himself from cases involving Jan. 6 insurrection probe
Suspicions are growing that the lone Black justice on the U.S. Supreme Court used his
Marker recognizing city’s liberation by Union troops near Civil War’s end damaged in East End
An accident or act of intentional vandalism?
VSU hoping to get mileage, exposure on NASCAR circuit
With some strong backing from Virginia State University, Rajah Caruth is revved up and ready to hit the gas.
Cityscape: A home to celebrate
Slices of life and scenes in Richmond
Plenty of reasons to celebrate. That’s the situation for the Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity, a local nonprofit that works to create more affordable housing.
City Council rejects turning over design funding for new George Wythe High
Will a new George Wythe High School ever get built?
City Council gives green light to new $13M apartment development at former funeral home site
The historic home of the A.D. Price Funeral Home at 212 E. Leigh St. in Jackson Ward will soon gain more apartments.
Richmond Public Schools moves out of 14th floor in City Hall
Richmond Public Schools is starting to give up floors in City Hall.
New funding to add amenities, volleyball court and walking trail to Hillside Court playground
Another $150,000 is being poured into playground improvements at Hillside Court.
State lawmakers create the Virginia Black, Indigenous and People of Color Historic Preservation Fund
A new state fund could give the Patawomeck Tribe a chance to reacquire tribal land and help protect battlefield sites throughout the state where Black soldiers fought and died.
Lawmakers opt for study over elimination of jail, prison fees
Incarcerated people and their loved ones will continue to pay fees that advocates and some lawmakers say are too stiff.
Gurtha ‘Gil’ Gilchrist Jr., longtime Armstrong phys ed teacher, dies at 83
Gurtha “Gil” Gilchrist Jr., who taught physical education and health at Armstrong High School for 30 years, has died.
5 John Marshall players named to All-State teams
Just as it dominated the state competition on the floor, the John Marshall High School boys’ basketball team dominated the All-State voting.
’Coach Mox’ now heading U.Va. women’s team
The University of Virginia’s new women’s basketball coach has her fingerprints all over the Commonwealth.
MVP and NBA titles within grasp for Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid’s NBA career was slow in getting off the launching pad, but now he’s rocketing toward a possible MVP.
Longtime NSU coach and AD William ‘Bill’ Archie dies at 92
William “Bill” Archie, a legendary coach and athletic director at Norfolk State University, died Saturday, March 19, 2022. He was 92.
Russia, China alliance over Ukraine spells danger
In numerous recent published reports, the public seemed pretty courageous when debating what sanctions should be taken against Russia’s genocide in Ukraine.
Richmond Night Market to kick off new season April 9 in Shockoe Bottom
The Richmond Night Market will return for its fourth season on Saturday, April 9, after in-person absences for two years because of COVID-19.
Ceremony April 3 to mark anniversary of Richmond Liberation Day
A public ceremony at 8 a.m. Sunday, April 3, will mark the 157th anniversary of the Union liberation of Richmond from slavery-defending Confederates near the end of the Civil War, it has been announced
Break the impasse
We call on members of the Richmond School Board and Richmond City Council to end this ridiculous impasse that threatens to tank the sorely needed replacement of the dilapidated George Wythe High School in South Side.
Kudos
We send hearty congratulations to new University of Richmond President Kevin F. Hallock for the bold actions taken last week by the university’s Board of Trustees to remove the names of slaveholders and segregationists from six campus buildings.
Not letting anyone steal our joy, by Ben Jealous
A congressional meeting room might be the last place people would expect to find joy.
Ukraine invasion, Tulsa Massacre from same playbook, by David W. Marshall
Looking at the events unfolding in Ukraine, it is not hard to compare them to what occurred during Nazi Germany’s invasion of Poland in 1939, especially when you see how two dictators — Adolf Hitler and Vladimir Putin—followed the same playbook.
Richmond, not Petersburg, should have new ONE Casino + Resort
My family has built a successful multimillion-dollar business empire over 70 years, starting in 1963 with Jet Bargain Stores (six locations), Hawk’s BBQ & Seafood (five locations), Indian Head Hair Grease 1965, Mascot Gas & Oil (six locations) and Crawley’s Nursing Home and Crawley’s Funeral Home. In my business and professional opinion, I was impressed after reading the proposal for ONE Casino + Resort.
Thursday, March 24
Black Americans and principles of democracy, by Ben Jealous
Anti-democratic authoritarianism is on the rise both around the world and here at home. Sometimes it is easier to recognize overseas.
Pay inequity: Past is prologue, by Julianne Malveaux
March 15 was National Pay Equity Day. It’s the day when women have to work into a new year to earn the same amount that men earned in the previous year.
The Black Press celebrates 195 years of pleading the cause of African descendants everywhere, by Stacy M. Brown
On March 16, 1827, the Rev. Samuel E. Cornish and John B. Russwurm founded Freedom’s Journal, the first Black-owned newspaper in the United States.
RPS data show middle schools under capacity, as controversy over new high school size continues
Richmond Public Schools enrollment data are undermining claims from members of Richmond City Council that surging enrollment would require a future George Wythe High School to be built to accommodate 2,000 students to prevent overcrowding when it opens.
City Council committee temporarily sidelines citizen review board to investigate complaints against police
A City Council committee hit the pause button Tuesday on a proposal from Mayor Levar M. Stoney to establish a new Richmond civilian review board to investigate complaints against city police.
Dauntless
U.S. Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson deflects Republican attacks
Republicans on Wednesday pressed their attacks on a range of issues against Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, President Biden’s nominee to become the first Black woman on the U.S. Supreme Court, as she inched closer to the end of an intense two days of questioning with Democrats coming to her defense.
Court mute on Justice Clarence Thomas’ status
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to say Wednesday whether 73-year-old Justice Clarence Thomas remains in the hospital, though he had been expected to be released by Tuesday evening.
Hampton U. offers free tuition to students displaced from Ukraine
Hampton University is offering free tuition, room and board to Ukrainian and international students displaced by the ongoing Russian invasion of the Eastern European nation.
Personality: Carolyn Glenn Ethridge Harrington
Spotlight on president of NCNW’s Chesterfield Metro Area Section
In late 2020, Carolyn Glenn Ethridge Harrington began working with a group of Chesterfield County women looking to establish a resource to help address the needs of area schools, families and youths.
Dr. Robert L. Pettis Sr., longtime pastor or Zion Baptist Church, dies at 67
Dr. Robert Lee Pettis Sr., a well-regarded minister who was in his fifth decade of leading Zion Baptist Church in South Side, has died.
Yellow Jackets return to Ashland with NCAA Division III crown
The Randolph-Macon College men were nearly perfect in adding their name to the of Virginia’s NCAA basketball champions.
Sheila Hill-Christian named interim CEO of RRHA
In a leadership shuffle, the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners has tapped Sheila Hill-Christian to serve as interim chief executive officer, effective Friday, April 1, it has been announced.
House passes CROWN Act to end discrimination against natural hairstyles
Democratic Congresswoman Jahana Hayes of Connecticut sounded off to critics of legislation that would allow individuals the freedom to express themselves by how they wear their hair.
COVID-19 pandemic has brought the inequities faced by Black students into sharp focus
While the world has been focused on the growing numbers of COVID-19 causalities, the media has somewhat ignored the long-term educational and economic impacts of the pandemic, especially for Black students.
Study may help reverse shut out of Black businesses from city contracts
City Hall spends hundreds of millions of dollars a year to buy goods and services and pay for construction and renovation of its buildings, pipelines and other infrastructure. But only a tiny fraction of that money is spent with Black- and minority-owned companies.
Councilwoman Robertson hosting rent and tax relief event March 26
Call it a party with a purpose: To help tenants behind on their rent apply for rent relief and to assist elderly and disabled people to apply for city property tax relief.
Fox students return to in-person classes at First Baptist Church
As the sun rose at 7:15 a.m. Monday, a parade of happy and enthusiastic parents with their elementary-age children made the trek to school at Richmond’s First Baptist Church on Monument Avenue.
6 Virginia teams bounced out of NCAA tourney
The state of Virginia’s six representatives to the NCAA Division I Tournament didn’t need a lot of laundry changes.
School Board still working on final 2022-23 budget
Nearly four weeks after approving the 2022-23 budget, the Richmond School Board is still struggling to complete a final version with all line items filled in to send to City Hall and City Council.
Rodney L. Lofton, LGBTQ advocate, community leader, author, succumbs at 53
Rodney Lamont Lofton was a force in changing Richmond’s attitudes toward gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and queer people.
NSU bows to defending national champ Baylor in NCAA first round
Norfolk State University’s trip to the NCAA “Big Dance” ended almost before the band began warming up.
A lesson in class
In case you missed them, the televised confirmation hearings for nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court are a study of extraordinary class in the face of arrogance, sexism, white privilege, homophobia and, yes, racism — everything the Republican Party seems to embrace these days.
Howard University Lady Bison bow to top seed South Carolina
The Howard University women’s basketball team was outstanding in qualifying for the NCAA Tournament. Unfortunately, the Lady Bison had nothing left once they got there.
New signs to be unveiled honoring former VUU football coaches
A foundation that helps keep the Virginia Union University campus litter-free will use its work to honor four former VUU football coaches on new Richmond Clean City Commission signs recognizing the pickup work.
Stanford’s Fran Belibi makes record dunk during NCAA game
Dunking in basketball has become commonplace—for male players, that is.
VCU’s season ends with 80-74 loss in NIT
A Virginia Commonwealth University basketball season featuring many highlights ended with a hurtful thud.
28th Annual James River Film Festival RVA kicks off March 31
The 28th Annual James River Film Festival RVA is back after a pandemic break, with 13 films being shown at venues around Richmond from March 31 through April 3.
Honoring Pocahontas
Chief Anne Richardson, leader of the Rappahannock Indian Tribe, speaks during a ceremony Monday honoring Pocahontas, or Matoaka, the young Native American woman whose influence aided the survival of the English settlers at Jamestown in the early 1600s and bolstered relations with the English when she traveled to England later with her white husband, John Rolfe, and son, Thomas.
Thursday, March 17
CIAA champ loses in NCAA first round
Fayetteville State was one-and-done in the NCAA Division II basketball playoffs.
Obama, Emhoff test positive for COVID-19
Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff has tested positive for COVID-19, the White House announced Tuesday.
Personality: William F. ‘Bill’ McGee
Spotlight on president of Richmond Chapter, Southern Christian Leadership Conference
William F. “Bill” McGee’s life has been closely connected to the fight for civil rights.
As COVID-19 continues, community needs grow along with programs to help
Three years ago, Greta Randolph’s work to meet the needs of the Richmond community “exploded,” she says, as a novel disease began creating upheaval and disruption.
‘Toothless’
Critics assail Mayor Stoney’s proposal to give a new civilian review board only limited authority in handling complaints against city police
Richmond could soon have its first civilian board to review serious complaints against police officers.
Singer Traci Braxton of ‘Braxton Family Values’ dies at 50
Singer Traci Braxton, who was featured with her family in the reality television series “Braxton Family Values,” died at age 50 on Saturday, March 12, 2022.
Report: AME Church suspends payments to retirees, investigates missing pension funds
One of the nation’s largest Black Protestant denominations has stopped making payments to retired ministers on its pension plan, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal.
John Marshall High wins the crown!
There are 52 Class 2 high schools in Virginia, but there is only one John Marshall High School.
Fascination with Teslas prompt second-grader with autism to write book
“Uziah Wants a Tesla.” That is the title and focus of the new book by 8-year-old author Uziah Smith-Bashir of Henrico.
’Black Panther’ director mistaken for bank robber in Atlanta
Movie director Ryan Coogler was briefly handcuffed by Atlanta police after a bank teller mistook him for a robber when he passed her a note while trying to withdraw a large amount of cash from his account, police said.
Marking the milestone of COVID-19 in city
Richmond officials recognized the milestones— good and bad — and ongoing challenges of COVID-19 during a news conference Tuesday afternoon marking two years since the city first began its response to the pandemic.
Mask mandate for public transit extended to April 18
Keep those masks on if you want to fly, ride a train or take a GRTC bus in Richmond.
New studies boost claims that nasal flushing may help protect against COVID-19
New studies support a Richmond man’s claims that flushing your nose daily can protect against COVID-19 and other diseases that develop in the nose and sinuses.
Longwood basketball again travels glory road to NCAA Tournament
When the 1979-80 basketball season began, the fan base of Longwood College, as it was known then, didn’t extend much past Perini Pizza directly across from campus on Main Street in Farmville.
Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground to receive historic designation
A long lost Black Richmond cemetery that has an interstate highway and rail- road tracks running through it is about to gain designation as a state and federal historic site.
Dr. Melissa Viray steers local health departments through changing state COVID-19 policy
In the midst of shifts in Virginia’s COVID-19 policies, Dr. Melissa A. Viray is looking to continue the evolution and expansion of Richmond and Henrico County’s public health response as the new acting director of the Richmond and Henrico health districts.
City seeks court order authorizing 2nd casino referendum
City Hall is rushing to secure a Richmond Circuit Court order to authorize a second casino referendum in November before the General Assembly can block it through budget language, the Free Press has learned.
McCoy loses libel suit
For the past two years, LaSalle J. McCoy Jr. has been seeking payback for what he calls damage to his reputation, but the former president of the Chesterfield County Branch NAACP has come up empty-handed.
Credit union members’ participation in governance hampered by rules
Credit unions are supposed to be owned by the members who have opened accounts.
Varina and High Springs high schools also take home state titles
This was a banner season for area code 804 high school basketball.
NSU going to NCAA ‘Big Dance’ for second consecutive year
Start the music. Norfolk State University’s history at the NCAA Big Dance is relatively short, but most exciting and filled with big-name dance partners.And it’s the same snappy beat this year.
Howard women win MEAC
The Howard University women’s basketball team hold their tickets to the NCAA Tournament after defeating Norfolk State University 61-44 last Saturday to clinch the MEAC crown.
Sa’ad El-Amin to speak March 18 at Richmond Public Library
Former Richmond City Councilman Sa’ad El-Amin will be the featured guest at the Africana Lecture Series scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 18, at the Richmond Public Library’s Main Library, 101 E. Franklin St., it has been announced.
Herstory once again, by Dr. E. Faye Williams
By now, everyone understands that the month of March has been designated as Women’s History Month.
Smollett’s sideshow mocks real tragedies, by Clarence Page
True to his profession, actor Jussie Smollett reacted to his sentence of jail time for his hate-crime hoax, with the passion of a courtroom drama.
Race, democracy and Ukraine, by David W. Marshall
Just when you say it can’t get any worse, it gets worse.
Thursday, March 10
Mayor’s $836M proposed budget includes major pay hikes for public safety workers
Soaring property values and a continuing boom in new development in Richmond have given City Hall the money to propose major pay increases for police officers, firefighters and other city employees.
Good riddance
68 law enforcement officers have been decertified in Virginia since a new state law took effect last March expanding the grounds for which they can be disqualified to work.
Two years ago, the only reasons police officers could be decertified in Virginia were if they tested positive for drugs, were convicted of certain crimes or failed to complete required training.
Displaced Fox Elementary students to resume in-person classes temporarily at First Baptist Church on Monument Ave
Students from William Fox Elementary School will have classes at First Baptist Church on Monument Avenue and Arthur Ashe Boulevard starting Monday, March 21.
Personality: Dr. Audra Yuki-Wright Jones
Spotlight on board president of the Virginia Dental Association Foundation
Dr. Audra Yuki-Wright Jones is helping put a bright smile on the faces of Virginians.
Actor-comedian Johnny Brown dies at 84
Actor and comedian Johnny Brown, who was perhaps best known for his role as apartment building superintendent Nathan Bookman on the television sitcom “Good Times,” died Wednesday, March 2, 2022, in Los Angeles, his longtime home. He was 84. “Our family is devastated. Devastated. Devastated. Beyond heartbroken. Barely able to breathe,” his daughter, Sharon Catherine Brown, wrote on Instagram in announcing his death late last week. “We respectfully ask for privacy at this time because we need a minute to process the unthinkable.” A native of St. Petersburg, Fla., Mr. Brown was multi-talented, getting his start as a singer in the late 1950s. He toured with saxophonist Sam “The Man” Taylor and released several singles, including “Walkin’ Talkin’, Kissin’ Doll” in 1961 on Columbia Records. He also appeared in two Broadway
Holding on to their faith: Strengthening Black families living with dementia
When Dr. Fayron Epps was growing up in New Orleans, worship services weren’t limited to Sundays.
6th Annual Richmond Black Restaurant Experience runs through March 13
The 6th Annual Richmond Black Restaurant Experience kicked off last weekend with Mobile Soul Sunday at Monroe Park, featuring more than 20 Black-owned food trucks and carts serving a variety of tasty fare.
Creation of police oversight panel among 3 critical items City Council to consider
Richmond City Council is heading to decision time on three significant items on its agenda—creation of a civilian review board to oversee police discipline, collective bargaining for employees and redistricting.
Investigation continues into Richmond Police shooting of Henrico man in East End
Two Richmond Police officers have been put on temporary administrative leave after shooting and killing a white man Sunday night in the East End.
Settlement details expected in death of South Side man involving police, ambulance personnel
A settlement is being worked out in the $25 million federal civil lawsuit alleging that two Richmond Police officers and two Richmond Ambulance Authority emergency medical personnel fatally smothered city resident Joshua L. Lawhon three years ago.
Richmond Public Library unveils plan for $70M reno at Downtown facility
A $70 million facelift is being proposed for the Richmond Public Library’s Main Library in Downtown.
Virginia’s HBCUs received more than $141M collectively from ARP
Big bucks. That’s what Virginia’s five historically Black colleges and universities have received from the federal American Rescue Plan.
Dr. Dietra Trent to lead White House HBCU initiative
President Biden has tapped a Virginia education veteran to work with and advocate for historically Black colleges and universities in the halls of government.
Mask requirement on public transportation slated to end March 18
GRTC passengers could go maskless beginning Saturday, March 19.
RRHA announces customer service upgrades
The landlord for Richmond’s public housing is promising a more customer-focused approach in dealing with its tenants.
Volunteers to help RRHA families late with rent to file for state relief
Next week, scores of volunteers will be going door to door in public housing communities seeking to help 1,700 families avoid eviction because their rent is past due.
Youngkin rolls back diversity, inclusion efforts in education, calling them ‘divisive concepts’
Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin’s administration has rescinded a series of policies, memos and other resources related to diversity, equity and inclusion that it characterized as “discriminatory and divisive concepts” in the state’s public education system.
Bill to allow marijuana resentencing killed by GOP lawmakers
A Republican-led panel of House of Delegates members on Monday blocked a bill that would have allowed people incarcerated or on probation for marijuana-related crimes to ask a court for a modified sentence.
Efforts advance for state, federal funding for historic Black cemeteries
The General Assembly, with bipartisan support, is preparing to beef up its efforts to financially support volunteers and organizations seeking to restore long-neglected Black cemeteries and to support efforts to preserve Black historical sites.
Pope Francis uses Ash Wednesday to advocate for peace in Ukraine; sends top Vatican officials to advocate for war’s refugees
Pope Francis used Ash Wednesday to praise practical and spiritual efforts to promote peace, encouraging people to dedicate prayers and fasting to ending the conflict in Ukraine as the church season of Lent begins.
John Marshall Justices poised to win another state basketball crown
Most high school basketball teams feel fortunate to have one or two stars. Richmond’s John Marshall High School features a galaxy.
3 other area teams playing for state high school crowns
The Virginia High School League’s state basketball finals this week will have a strong local flavor at the Virginia Commonwealth University’s Siegel Center.
NSU goes into MEAC Tournament as No. 1 seed
Norfolk State University had the best record, the top seed and the hometown advantage heading into this week’s MEAC Tournament at Norfolk Scope Arena.
VUU Panthers left out of NCAA Division II regionals
Virginia Union University’s outstanding basketball season is over too soon.
Flying Squirrels hosting seasonal job fair
The Richmond Flying Squirrels are hosting three job fairs at The Diamond, 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd.
Black female WWII unit to be recognized with Congressional Gold Medal
The only all-female, Black unit to serve in Europe during World War II will be honored with the Congressional Gold Medal.
The humanity of Black Ukrainians, by Julianne Malveaux
Most of us are riveted to the television, radio or internet to learn more about what is happening in Ukraine. On one hand, it is a world away; but on the other hand, it is right next door because it affects us.
Same old ‘ridiculousness’, by Clarence Page
You can tell a lot about the strength of President Biden’s U.S. Supreme Court nominee by the weakness and shallowness of the political backlash against her.
Collective bargaining will transform lives
The city of Richmond is at a crossroads. We are experiencing growth and transformation, yet not everyone gets a chance to share in the fruits of our success.
VCU looking for A-10 Tournament victory and slot in NCAA
Virginia Commonwealth University didn’t have Bones Hyland this season, but the Rams have Vince Williams & Co., and that was plenty.
The power of the people — and alumni
When my beloved alma mater Grambling State University hired a white assistant coach, Art Briles, as offensive coordinator of the football program, there was a loud uproar.
Thursday, March 3
Askia Muhammad, dean of The Final Call editorial staff, dies at 76
Askia Muhammad, a renowned journalist, photographer, poet and columnist who served as an editor of The Final Call, died Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022, at his home in Washington, D.C. He was 76.
Parade of champions
John Marshall teams headed to quarterfinals
They come at you in waves— so tall, so talented, so tenacious and so many.
History maker
Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is the first Black woman to be nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court. If confirmed, she would be only the third Black justice to serve on the nation’s highest court.
Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson on Wednesday took her first steps on her history-making journey to a seat on the U.S. Supreme Court.
Faster legal sales of marijuana snuffed out; Black advocates cheer
The rush to start legal retail sales of marijuana next September has been snuffed out.
7 people honored by VMFA as RVA Community Makers
Seven people were honored recently by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts as RVA Community Makers, cultural luminaries who shine a positive national spotlight on the Richmond region.
School Board approves $365.6M budget, after slashing $6M from Kamras plan
After months of quibbling, the Richmond School Board approved a $356.6 million budget Monday night that provides a 5 percent raise for teachers and other schools employees, but eliminates money for new student laptops, instructional contracts and cellphones for employees.
Richmond Planet license plate, with its symbol of Black empowerment, may be ready to go July 1
A tribute to Black empowerment will be on display on a Virginia license plate for the first time.
Another book suggestion
I was pleased to see your editorial, “CRT—Critical race truth,” and suggest adding this to the book list: “Richmond’s Unhealed History” by the Rev. Benjamin Campbell.
City Council reaches consensus on redistricting map
The redistricting work of setting boundaries for the nine Richmond City Council and School Board districts appears to be complete.
Gov. Youngkin and reality of racism, by Susan Swecker
On one of the final days of Black History Month, Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin released an interim report on critical race theory from the state superintendent of public instruction – an attempt to rewrite, revise and change our history.
Fighting injustice in Ukraine and at home, by Dr. E. Faye Williams
Before going to bed on Feb. 22, we knew that Ukraine and its citizens had been brutally attacked. In our hearts, we also knew that this was only the beginning of their terror.
Tear-gassed protesters reach settlement with Richmond Police
A settlement has been reached in a lawsuit filed by demonstrators who were tear-gassed by Richmond Police during a social justice protest in June 2020 following the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police.
Community meeting sparks recommendations to curb city gun violence
Affordable day care. Better relationships with recreation and parks activities and schools. Summer jobs for teens. Mental health and first aid training. Those were some of the recommendations offered by about 60 community residents, public officials and representatives of nonprofit agencies that gathered Feb. 24 in a call to action to stem the tide of gun violence in Richmond.
RISC holds City Hall rally in effort to meet with mayor about gun violence
More than a hundred Richmond residents assembled outside City Hall last Friday, seeking to discuss their solutions to the rise in gun violence with Mayor Levar M. Stoney.
Dr. Paul Farmer, global humanitarian leader, dies at 62
Dr. Paul Farmer, a U.S. physician, humanitarian and author renowned for providing health care to millions of impoverished people worldwide and who co-founded the global nonprofit Partners in Health, died Monday, Feb. 21, 2022. He was 62.
Rolando Lamb and Harold Deane Jr. to host basketball camp
Former college greats Rolando Lamb and Harold Deane Jr. will be conducting a Spring Break Basketball Camp April 4 through 8 at Crestwood Presbyterian Church, 1200 Charter Colony Parkway in Midlothian.
NFL Black coaches now total 3; Flores hired as assistant coach in Pittsburgh
Sometimes, it seems, the more things change the more they stay the same.
Washington or Virginia Commanders? Va. aims to lure NFL team
Virginia lawmakers are advancing a measure intended to lure the Washington Commanders to the state by allowing the NFL team to forgo what could be $1 billion or more in future tax payments to help finance a potential new football stadium.
Learning Black history through portrayal
A judge, an inventor and a cheerleader strolled into Christina Smith’s photog- raphy studio in downtown Battle Creek recently.
Our students deserve better
The recent devastating fire at Fox Elementary School has heightened public concerns about the safety of school buildings throughout Richmond and around the state — and rightly so.
Social isolation, not white supremacy, led to pathologies in African-American communities
I am sorry to have to tell you that there is no Critical Race Theory.
Book suggestions for Free Press readers
I strongly recommend that the following titles be added to your book list:
Personality: Kathryn B. ‘Katie’ Ricard
Spotlight on president of the William Fox Elementary PTA
Kathryn Baum “Katie” Ricard is looking to turn an outpouring of support in the wake of an unexpected, catastrophic event into an opportunity for education in Richmond — and a fulcrum for community unity.
Richmond Flying Squirrels chosen to help lead ‘The Nine’
The Richmond Flying Squirrels have been named a team captain of “The Nine,” a new baseball outreach platform focused on the Black community.
