Thursday, May 26
Black businesses matter, by Benjamin Chavis Jr.
When was the last time that you read a national news story in the so-called mainstream media about a successful Black business in America that has achieved unprecedented excellence and profit in today’s marketplace?
Buffalo supermarket victim Kat Massey, 72, laid to rest
In the late 1980s, Katherine “Kat” Massey was tired of the perpetually overgrown lot on state property on her street, so she sent a letter on “Cherry Street Block Club” letterhead to the governor, which led to it being cleaned up.
Personality: The Rev. Shay W. Auerbach
Sacred Heart Center’s board president says the pandemic has been especially hard for Latino communities
From the doors of the church to the streets of Richmond and beyond, the Rev. Shay W. Auerbach has been a tireless advocate for the city’s Latino community for more than a decade.
How do we end the carnage?
Barely had we absorbed the anger, shock and sorrow that gripped us following the Tops Friendly Markets store massacre in Buffalo, N.Y., before we heard the horrifying news that another mass shooting had occurred in Uvalde, Texas.
12 debut at Cotillion
“Virtual Elegance and Grace Redefined” was the theme of this year’s Wives of Beaux-Twenty Debutante Alumnae Association’s 44th Debutante Cotillion on May 21.
Memorial Day service at Fort Harrison Cemetery
The Richmond National Battlefield Park, in cooperation with the National Cemetery Administration, will host a Memorial Day program and wreath-laying ceremony 12 p.m. Monday, May 30, at the Fort Harrison National Cemetery, 8620 Varina Road. The event is free and open to the public.
VSU wins inaugural baseball tournament
Virginia State University followed a rocky flight of a baseball season with a smooth landing.
Former VSU, Hermitage High athlete heads to Commanders
Will Adams has his cleated foot in the NFL door.
Welcome Home
Following a 12-game road trip, the Squirrels returned to the Diamond this week for a six-game series against the Hartford Yard Goats (Colorado Rockies affiliate). Remaining games: Thursday, May 26 - 6:35 p.m. Friday, May 27 - 6:35 p.m. Saturday, May 28 - 6:05 p.m. (Fireworks) Sunday, May 29 - 1:35 p.m. (Bucket Hat Giveaway) --- Armani Smith enjoys playing in Richmond, but the outfielder left his heart in San Francisco. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound right-hander grew up in Walnut Creek, Calif., just a long fly ball from the San Francisco Giants’ Oracle Park. Smith was a passionate Giants fan as a youngster, with Barry Bonds being his favorite player.
VCU Reaches Scholarship Allowance
After much traffic coming and going, there is finally a “no vacancy” sign on the VCU basketball roster.
Virginia State University’s new football coach sports impressive record
Well-traveled Henry Frazier III has been given the head coaching whistle at Virginia State University.
Two years after George Floyd’s murder, racial trauma permeates Black Americans
Black Men Heal co-founder Zakia Williams was deeply moved as she watched a young Black man become emotional while speaking about the mental health toll the past few years have taken on him. “He said, ‘I just want to play basketball without fear of getting shot, I just want to live. I just want to be,’” Ms. Wil- liams recalled the young man saying at a virtual group therapy session, Kings Corner, that her Philadelphia-based group holds weekly for Black men across the U.S. and internationally. “A lot of our men report being overwhelmed, tired and feeling like they’re being at- tacked. They see themselves in George Floyd. Each one of them says, ‘That could have been me.’” Wednesday, May 25, marks the second anniversary of Mr. Floyd’s killing by a Minneapolis police officer, which sparked a global protest movement and calls for a racial reckoning to address structural racism that has created long-standing in- equities impacting generations of Black Americans. Mr. Floyd’s slaying, along with a series of killings of other Black Americans, has wrought a heavy toll on the emotional and mental health of Black communities burdened by centuries of oppressive systems and racist practices. Mental health experts say the racism that causes the trauma is embedded in the country’s fabric and can be directly linked to the mental duress many experience today. “Black mental health has always been a topic of concern,” said Dr. Christine Crawford, associate medical director at the National Alliance on Mental Illness. “Continuously seeing these images of Black people being killed ... can elicit trauma-like symptoms in Black people and others who feel somehow con- nected to what is going on,” she said. This “impact of vicarious
Plurax’s COO Denise Fields has died
Denise I. Fields of Williamsburg, and formerly of Richmond and Norfolk, died Wednesday, May 18, 2022.
New names recommended for Fort Lee, Fort A.P. Hill and Fort Pickett Army bases
The names of slavery-defending Confederate military leaders who fought to destroy the U.S. government could finally start disappearing from military installations.
Jackson Ward residents question plans for their community
Improved infrastructure, redeveloped housing and better health care are some of the goals city planners are crafting for Richmond’s historic Jackson Ward.
Memorial Day 2022 holiday closings
In observance of Memorial Day, Monday May 30, please note the following:
Local health clinic pauses services
The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts have stopped clinical operations at the Southwood Resource Center due to maintenance issues, bringing a temporary halt to health screenings, exams and other medical services that have been provided to the public there since 2018. The center is located at 1754 Clarkson Road. RHHD officials said patients with scheduled appointments at the site are being contacted to reschedule for other dates and locations until RHHD and Southwood management resolve problems at the site. Information about when the center will reopen has not been released. “This is an emerging and evolving situation,” said Margo Webb, director of community programs, in a statement. “Our clinical and community teams remain dedicated to serving the health needs of Southwood residents and are exploring options to prevent a gap in services.” The Southwood pool house will remain open and active for services and scheduled appointments, including COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, and other outreach efforts.
City swimming pools open in time for holiday
For the second year, Richmond will open four of its public outdoor pools for the upcoming Memorial Day holiday – kicking off summer swimming just like private pools in the suburbs.
City council greenlights coliseum’s replacement
The vacant and closed Richmond Coliseum is headed for redevelopment.
New stable for police horses
Richmond’s four police horses, Aslan, Samson, Scooter and Toby, are finally getting a new home.
She’s coming!
Michelle Obama to discuss free speech at the Richmond Forum
Former First Lady Michelle Obama will make a long-awaited appearance at the Richmond Forum on June 7.
2 artistic directors join Virginia Repertory Theatre
Todd D. Norris and Rick Hammerly will join Desirée Roots, a Richmond-based jazz singer and actress, as artistic directors for the Virginia Repertory Theatre.
A salute to Richmond’s notable basketball stars
Robert L. “Bobby” Dandridge, aka “Greyhound,” “Bismarck,” and “Pick,” was born in Richmond on Nov. 15, 1947. He became a headliner at Maggie L. Walker High (Stretch Gardner) and Norfolk State (Ernie Fears), and was drafted in the fourth round by Milwaukee in 1969.
ATM access returns to Highland Park
Bank of America has reopened its automated teller machine at its former Highland Park bank building, 1307 E. Brookland Park Blvd., it has been announced.
Richmonders should help police stop violence
It seems that people are becoming numb to all of these killings in Richmond.
Former governor’s behavior ‘baffles and confuses Black people’
In quoting the advice offered to me as a new member of the Richmond City Council in 1978, L. Douglas Wilder said to me, “There are no black issues, only issues that disproportionately affect Black people.”
Echoes of Minneapolis, Charleston, by Dr. E. Faye Williams
I was shocked! I was appalled! I was infuriated by the callous attack on innocent Black people at the Tops Friendly Markets store on May 14 in Buffalo, N.Y. Without having to be told, when I heard the racial breakdown of the victims, I knew that it was a racially motivated hate crime.
School Board questions its role in Ashe Center’s site plans
Another battle appears to be looming between City Hall and the School Board.
Governor: Texas gunman said he was going to ‘shoot up school’
The gunman who massacred 19 children and two teachers at an elementary school in Texas warned in online messages sent minutes before the attack that he had shot his grandmother and was going to shoot up a school, the governor said Wednesday.
VUU, VSU join public schools to retain Black and Latino male teachers
Richmond Public Schools’ RVA Men Teach program has partnered with Virginia Union and Virginia State universities to create a Teacher Residency program for male minority teachers.
Thursday, May 19
Homeless concerns persist despite efforts to assist people lacking shelter
Doorways, bus benches and even city sidewalks are once again sleeping pads for some unsheltered people in Richmond now that the inclement weather and COVID-19 shelters have shut down.
‘Like every other day’
10 lives lost on a trip to the store
They were caregivers and protectors and helpers, running an errand or doing a favor or finishing out a shift, when their paths crossed with a young man driven by racism and hatred and baseless conspiracy theories.
Personality: Kiara Thompson
Richmond’s Teacher of the Year says students and their experiences motivate and inspire her
It was a typical Friday at school for Kiara Thompson — until it wasn’t.
Ellalee Fountain Flowers dies at age 98
Ellalee Fountain Flowers, a former Virginia Union University and Richmond Public Schools educator, died on Sunday, May 15, 2022. Mrs. Flowers, who lived in Richmond, was 98.
Boston, Black men in basketball go hand in hand
If anyone can do the impossible — make the Boston Celtics fans forget about the likes of legends such as Larry Bird — Jayson Tatum might be the guy, at least among younger rooters.
VSU’s 2022 graduates heralded for hard work, sacrifices and technological savvy
Cheering family, friends and loved ones celebrated the achievements of Virginia State University’s nearly 500 graduates on May 14 at the VSU Multi-Purpose Center.
New St. Philip’s rector envisions a more inclusive ministry
Following her recent installation as the 23rd rector of historic St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in North Side, the Rev. Marlene E. Forrest described the occasion as a “beautiful, spirit-filled service.” Rev. Forrest’s installation at the church came nearly two years after she was named priest-in-charge of the 300-member congregation, the largest Black Episcopal congregation in Virginia. She succeeds Bishop Phoebe A. Roaf, who led the church for eight years until she was installed as bishop of West Tennessee in May 2019. “I am grateful that after a bit more than two years at the church to be finally installed and made kind of permanent,” said Rev. Forrest, who will lead the South’s oldest Black Episcopal church, which began operations in 1861, the same year the Civil War began. Mindful of the strain placed on many religious institutions everywhere since the onset of COVID-19 in 2020, Rev. Forrest expressed gratitude that St. Philip’s has returned to in-person services and activities. “We are back to in-person services and hope to stay in person,” she said. “We believe in mutual ministry and doing church together. Our goal is to become more active in engagement and outreach to our neighbors and friends and provide help to those in need.”
Richmond Ambulance Authority sounds funding alarm
A sea of red ink. That is what the Richmond Ambulance Authority warns it is facing.
COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Richmond area
The counties of Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover are among the Virginia localities where COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations have risen, as the spread and impact of the virus has increased throughout the Central Virginia area and statewide in recent weeks.
City cuts tax bills on vehicles 20 percent
The value of used vehicles has soared, but the rising prices will have far less impact on the yearly tax that Richmond residents are required to pay on their cars and trucks.
VSU’s new academic building scheduled for 2024 opening
Virginia State University students studying the Harlem Renaissance, American history or trends in education will soon do so in an expansive new academic building that the university promises to provide “transformational academic experiences.
GRTC extends free fares
As anticipated, free rides will continue on GRTC for another year, without any additional subsidy from Richmond taxpayers.
VMFA names new curator for African Art
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has named Dr. Ndubuisi C. Ezeluomba as its new curator to efforts to “re-imagine” VMFA’s African Art collection.
Richmond student honored for efforts to end stigma about menstruation
A Richmond student, who has led an effort to ensure all girls, no matter their income, have access to menstrual products, has been recognized by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
Winsome Earle-Sears wants Supreme Court to limit race-based admissions
Virginia’s Black lieutenant governor and the state Conference of the NAACP are sharply divided over affirmative action in higher education admissions.
Basketball legend Bob Lanier dies after cancer battle
Bob Lanier, who went to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame twice — once for his talents; once for his hard-to-believe sneakers — died Tuesday, May 10, 2022.
Memorial service announced for fashion designer Cary Mitchell
A celebration of the life of the late Cary “Cup” Mitchell, a top clothing designer for Tiger Woods, Charles Barkley and other sports stars, will be held this weekend in Richmond, the family has announced.
St. Christopher’s Pulley is unguarded about choosing R-MC
Keishawn Pulley Jr. watched from afar last season as Randolph-Macon College raced to the NCAA Division III basketball championship. This coming season, he aims to be part of the show in Ashland.
Richmond’s striking past with Black baseball pitchers includes Satchel Paige, others
Since integrated professional baseball arrived in Richmond, there has been a relative shortage of Black men on the pitching mound for the home team.
Former Mills Godwin student leaps major hurdles to victory
Britton Wilson has made track and field history at the University of Arkansas.
VCU graduates praised for their resolve to not lose focus during pandemic
With graduates hailing from 43 countries and diverse cultural backgrounds, the sheer scale of accomplishment was immense during Virginia Commonwealth University’s graduation ceremony last Saturday.
Children left behind
In 2002, only about half of students in Richmond Public Schools rated as proficient in reading and math.
Racial disparities in abortion rates, by Clarence Page
Remember the old days when President Bill Clinton brought a temporary calm to the raging abortion debate by declaring the ultracontroversial procedure should be “safe, legal and rare?”
Supreme Court wasn’t always a threat, by Ben Jealous
Almost 70 years ago this month, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, one of the most important in our history. It was unanimous. And it was a glorious moment. Our highest court affirmed the constitutional promise of equality. In Brown, the court rejected the “separate but equal” doctrine that some states used to justify legally enforced racial segregation in public schools.
If white supremacy is poison, ethnic studies is the antidote, by Julianne Malveaux
President Biden was uncharacteristically, but appropriately, angry and firm when he described white supremacy as “poison.” He spoke from Buffalo days after a putrid young white man, Payton S. Gendron, shot 13 people, killing ten. All but two of those he shot were Black, and all of those massacred were Black.
Thursday, May 12
Retiring HU president offers advice to graduates
Hampton University’s 152nd annual commencement celebrated graduates as well as the 44-year tenure of HU President William R. “Bill” Harvey, who is retiring on June 30. Dr. Harvey, 81, served as the keynote speaker for the commencement, which was held on Mother’s Day at the Hampton University Convocation Center on campus. Dr. Harvey highlighted a long list of accomplishments made by the university under his stewardship, such as the creation of the Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute to treat cancer and increasing the university’s endowment from $29 million to more than $400 million today. Dr. Harvey told the graduates, “Don’t settle with being the employee; I want you to be the employer. Don’t settle with representing the firm or corporation; I want you to own the firm or corporation. See the horizon as not a limit, but an invitation….” He offered grandfatherly advice to graduates, ranging from the financial -- “Pay yourself first. Save something from every single paycheck. Buy some property”– to the social – “Stay away from drugs and drug dealers. They will destroy your life or make it miserable.” Dr. Harvey went on to tell graduates to “fight racism every time it arises” and to “be positive role models. Be somebody.” He closed out his address by telling graduates to support Hampton University with their money. During the ceremony, Rashida Jones, who became the first Black woman to lead a cable news network when she was named president of MSNBC in February 2021, received the Outstanding 20-Year Alumna Award. The Henrico High School graduate earned a bachelor’s degree in mass media arts from Hampton University in 2002. Earlier this year, she launched the Rashida Jones Scholarship Fund for journalism students at the university. Thomas Hasty III, senior executive vice president and chief regulatory risk officer of TowneBank, received the Outstanding Alumnus-at-Large Award. He graduated from HU in 1977 with a degree in business. Honorary degrees were awarded to former Virginia Supreme Court Justice John Charles Thomas, who was the first Black named to the state’s highest court in 1983, and Christopher Newport University President Paul S. Trible Jr., who represented Virginia in the U.S. Senate from 1983 to 1989.
Richmond’s last Confederate monument to come down – A.P. Hill on North Side
The last standing Confederate monument in Richmond is on the way out.
True calling
Kiara S. Thompson, Richmond’s Teacher of the Year, followed her heart and turned to teaching more than six years ago
Kiara Shenae Thompson was on her way to becoming a biologist and health care worker when she volunteered at a community center tutoring elementary and middle school students in science concepts and found what she considers her true calling — teaching.
VP Harris urges grads to tackle problems in unsettled world
Vice President Kamala Harris urged graduates of Tennessee State University on Saturday to apply their leadership skills to help tackle the multitude of challenges posed by an unsettled world.
Personality: Dr. Kate Hoof
Spotlight on board president of Richmond Cycling Corps
Dr. Kate Hoof is helping Richmond kids put the pedal to the metal.
Arthur D. ‘Art’ Toth Jr., owner of the former La Grande Dame, dies at 65
For nearly 30 years, Arthur David “Art” Toth Jr. was the go-to person in Richmond for full-figured women who wanted to dress well.
Black Catholic nuns: A compelling, long-overlooked history
Even as a young adult, Shannen Dee Williams – who grew up Black and Catholic in Memphis, Tenn.,–knew of only one Black nun, and a fake one at that: Sister Mary Clarence, as played by Whoopi Goldberg in the comic film “Sister Act.”
VUU Panthers to kick off 2022-23 football season on a Thursday night
Virginia Union University is doing something a little unusual for the upcoming football season.
Virginia Museum of History & Culture reopens May 14 after $30M renovation
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture will reopen this weekend after a two-year, $30 million renovation with a celebration featuring new exhibits, rich family stories, entertainment, activities and food trucks.
History marker going up for Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground; mixed results on Confederate markers
A new state history marker to a long forgotten Black cemetery in Richmond is on the way, while two highway markers to the city’s Confederate past have been removed.
City Council approves new 2022-23 budget
The new blueprint for City Hall spending after July 1 that includes significant pay jumps for city employees is now in place.
Fox students get warm welcome at Clark Springs Elementary building
Students from Fox Elementary School started their first day of classes Monday at their new home—Clark Springs Elementary School, which will be their temporary campus for the remainder of the school year.
RPS chief operating officer quits
Alana Gonzalez, the chief operating officer for Richmond Public Schools, has submitted her resignation, effective Friday, May 20.
2nd casino referendum to proceed regardless of state budget language, city official says
The question of whether Richmond should have a casino-resort in South Side will once again be on the November ballot, according to the city’s director of economic development.
City Council wants more time to study, consider collective bargaining
City Council hit the pause button Monday on authorizing collective bargaining for city employees.
Pastor Anthony Franklin Sr. sees his mission as giving back where a community has needs
For years, Pastor Anthony Franklin Sr. struggled to pay the rent and keep the lights on for the small non-denominational Richmond church he founded called Truth Ministries.
Washington Commanders hope to score big this season with new draftees
The NFL team in Washington has been spinning its wheels for years. The club now called the Commanders has gone 31-50 since its last winning season in 2016 (8-7-1).
Samantha Cunningham of VSU earns All-CIAA honors
Virginia State University softball slug- ger Samantha Cunningham went out with a bang, or rather a sharp ping from her metal alloy bat. In her final season wearing the Trojans’ orange and blue, the senior third base player from Waukegan, Ill., earned All-CIAA hon- ors while leading the conference in hitting at .467. Cunningham finished with 13 doubles, three home runs, 29 runs batted in and struck Delaware State president, athletes decry search of team bus by Georgia deputies Associated Press SAVANNAH, Ga. The president of Delaware State University, a historically Black college, accused sheriff’s deputies in Georgia of intimidating and humiliating the university’s women’s lacrosse team when deputies pulled over the athletes’ bus and searched it for drugs. Delaware State University President Tony Allen said he’s “incensed” by the April 20 traffic stop along Interstate 95 south of Savannah as the team returned from a game in Florida. In a letter to students and faculty, Dr. Allen said nothing illegal was found and campus officials were “exploring options for recourse — legal and otherwise.” “We do not intend to let this or any other incident like it pass idly by,” Dr. Allen said in the letter posted Monday on the university’s social media pages. Liberty County, Ga., Sheriff William Bowman, who is Black, said Tuesday his office is conducting a formal review of the traffic stop. He said deputies had stopped other commercial vehicles the same morning along I-95 and found drugs on a different bus. The team’s chartered bus was stopped because it was traveling in the left lane, which is a violation of Georgia law, he said. The sheriff said deputies decided to search the team’s bus when a drug-sniffing dog “alerted” alongside it. “I do not exercise racial profiling, allow racial profiling or encourage racial profiling,” Sheriff Bowman told reporters. The sheriff added that based on what he already knows, “I believe the stop was legal.” No one was arrested or charged. The sheriff said the bus driver was given a warning. Video posted online by one of the Delaware State lacrosse players shows two white deputies on the bus. One of them tells the bus passengers that possessing marijuana remains illegal in Georgia. “If there is anything in y’all’s luggage, we’re probably going to find it, OK,” the deputy says. “I’m not looking for a little bit of marijuana, but I’m pretty sure you guys’ chaperones are probably going to be disappointed in you if we find any.” The deputy continues : “You guys are on a lacrosse team, correct? If there is something in there that is questionable, please tell me now. Because if we find it, guess what? We’re not going to be able to help you.” Sydney Anderson, the student who posted the video, wrote in the campus publication The Hornet Newspaper that team members felt there was “underlying racism” behind the search. “The team members were in shock, as they witnessed the of- ficers rambling through their bags,” Ms. Anderson wrote. “They brought the K-9 dog out to sniff their luggage. The cops began tossing underwear and other feminine products, in an attempt to locate narcotics.” Georgia courts have held that the odor of marijuana is enough to give police probable cause to search vehicles without a warrant. The sheriff said he welcomes feedback from the lacrosse team. “We realize that in this current environment, even a traffic stop can be alarming to citizens, especially African-Americans,” Sheriff Bowman said. out only four times in more than 100 plate appearances. Earning second team honors for the Trojans were designated player Macy Beville from nearby Dinwiddie and pitcher Alaijah Pratt from Lusby, Md. Also, Pratt and Desmyn Owens of Lawrenceville made the All-Freshman team. Under first-year Coach Jameshia Smith, VSU finished 20-13 overall and 13-4 in the CIAA. The Trojans’ season ended with a 6-4 loss to Bowie State University on May 7 in the loser’s bracket final of the CIAA Tournament in Glen Allen.
Delaware State president, athletes decry search of team bus by Georgia deputies
The president of Delaware State University, a historically Black college, accused sheriff’s deputies in Georgia of intimidating and humiliating the university’s women’s lacrosse team when deputies pulled over the athletes’ bus and searched it for drugs.
W&M dedicates memorial to those who were enslaved by the university
William & Mary, the nation’s second oldest institution of higher education, dedicated a brick memorial last Saturday that honors people who were enslaved by the university.
’A Strange Loop’ earns a leading 11 Tony Award nominations
“A Strange Loop,” Michael R. Jackson’s critically cheered theater meta-journey earned a leading 11 Tony Award nominations Monday as Broadway joined the national discussion of race by embracing an envelope-pushing Black-written and Black-led musical.
Roe v. Wade and the far right’s extreme plans, by Ben Jealous
Things are about to get worse for millions of vulnerable people in our country.
Black History Museum saving Confederate statues: Let’s talk about it, by Sa’ad El-Amin
On Jan. 24, a resolution to transfer the title and ownership to the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia of the five Confederate statues that were removed from Monument Avenue—including four of which the City of Richmond has owned for more than 100 years — was approved by a unanimous vote of Richmond City Council.
‘The government should not butt in’ on abortions
I am a 59-year-old woman who believes in life. I am against abortion, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a good reason for a woman to get an abortion.
State employee excoriates Virginia’s new return-to-the-workplace policy
I am underpaid, I am tired and I am frustrated.
Real issue behind mental illness is lack of support
During the past couple of years, there have been way too many celebrities, such as Naomi Judd, who have succumbed to mental illness. Having to see the accolades of those celebs who fought but lost the battle to their mental health complications is somber indeed.
Perseverance and legacy were themes of VUU’s commencement
Six different classes of Virginia Union University graduates, some stretching as far back as five decades, were recognized for their academic accomplishment last Saturday during the first in-person commencement ceremony in two years.
Actor Keith David challenges NSU graduates to be, do and give back
Emmy Award-winning actor Keith David reminded Norfolk State University graduates that they stand on the shoulders of giants, including their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and civil rights pioneers, in earning their degrees.
Thursday, May 5
Free Press wins 15 awards in annual VPA contest
The Richmond Free Press continues its 30-year tradition of award-winning excellence.
Readers and officials react to the leak of a draft U.S. Supreme Court majority opinion concerning the overturning of Roe v. Wade
People everywhere have silenced, discounted, disparaged and cursed women long enough. We are the ones who engender children. We are the ones who are so connected to those children that we suffer with them.
What happens after graduation?, by Julianne Malveaux
Graduations are an exciting time for most families who will throng to auditoriums, gymnasiums, churches and outdoor settings bearing flowers, balloons and other goodies. They’ll likely go to lunch or dinner and share smiles and memories, congratulating the graduate on her achievement.
New ‘Dream Team’ of federal judges, by Ben Jealous
Something amazing just happened in the U.S. Capitol.
A woman’s right
Since the beginning of our species, it has been the responsibility of the female to care for the unborn, the newborn and the young. After millions of years, women have gotten us this far.
A Mother’s Day gift
Each year at this time, all good children — no matter their age — pause and figure out the perfect gift to give mom.
Help Me Help You Foundation to host free monthly community cookouts
Seeking to spread a message of unity and peace, a Richmond foundation plans to host a community cookout each month that will be open to all featuring free food, music, games and other fun activities. =
Chris Cheeks, former VCU standout and Boston College coach, dies at 54
Chris Cheeks, among the most prolific scorers in Virginia Commonwealth University basketball history, died Wednesday, April 20, 2022. He was 54 and living in the Boston area where he was an assistant basketball coach at Boston College.
NSU’s Kai Cole named to VSID Division I All-State indoor track team
Kai Cole can pick ‘em up and lay ‘em down and his exceptional speed has been recognized all over Virginia.
Spartans snag George Beale, Region 4A Player of the Year
Norfolk State University will lose some key players from last season’s championship basketball team, but help is on the way.
Ashton Pratt signs to join the VUU Panthers next season; JV basketball team also in the works
Virginia Union University has received a commitment from one of the best players from arguably the state’s best high school basketball team.
Washington Nationals may be out front in diversity in MLB
The Washington Nationals may be last in the National League East standings, but they’re likely first in diversity.
Rev. Wilbert D. Talley reaches 50th anniversary milestone at King William church
“I never expected to reach this kind of milestone.”
VCU receives formal designation as minority-serving institution
Virginia Commonwealth University officially has joined the ranks of schools with a federal designation for serving minority students.
City offers amnesty for past-due parking ticket penalties
Good news for people with old, unpaid Richmond parking tickets: City Hall will waive the penalties if the tickets are paid by Monday, Sept. 12.
City officials tout efforts, framework to prevent gun violence
Richmond officials have recommended investing more than $140 million in federal and local funds for a multi-pronged approach to intervening in the lives of those affected by gun violence, tackling the root causes behind the violence and preventing further injury and death.
Proposed city budget includes help for aging mobile homes and examination of real estate taxes
For the first time, Richmond will help pay for fixing up aging trailers and mobile homes.
School Board reverses course, approves River City Middle rezoning
The Richmond School Board approved a rezoning plan for River City Middle School that will alleviate the overcrowding that has occurred in the first year of the school’s opening for in-person learning.
Former city worker and union advocate: ‘I had no one to go to bat for me’
Andrew Thomas hoped to build a career in the Richmond Department of Public Utilities. Instead, the 49-year-old Jamaica native has quit the department after seven years.
Activist, therapist, author, designer and prosecutor among this year’s commencement speakers
Area colleges and universities are returning to in-person commencements this year after two years of relying on virtual ceremonies because of COVID-19.
Players’ fortunes rise with the NFL draft; others seeking free agent contract
If Jahan Dotson does in the NFL what he did in college, the Washington Commanders’ first season could have fans dancing in the aisles at FedEx Field.
Rev. Marlene E. Forrest to be installed as rector of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church
The Rev. Marlene E. Forrest will be installed as the 23rd rector of historic St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in North Side on Saturday, May 14.
Artist William R. ‘Junie Red’ Johnson Jr. succumbs at 70
“Junie Red” cut steel for a living. But in his free time, the Richmond native let his creative juices flow in transforming metal pieces into abstract sculptures and painting a variety of subjects, most notably imagined landscapes of other worlds.
Personality: LeTeisha Gordon
Spotlight on founder and program director of A Better Day Than Yesterday Initiative Program
“Ms. Gordon, how would you rebuild a relationship with someone that was released from prison?”
Abortion battle erupts with leaded U.S. Supreme Court draft opinion
America’s decades-old battle over abortion rights exploded anew on Tuesday as the U.S. Supreme Court authenticated a draft opinion leaked to the news outlet Politico that signaled the court will soon overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion nationwide.
’Intertwined history’
Descendants of the enslaved and their owners on a noted Caroline County plantation are working together to preserve remnants of their shared history that remain on the land
For years, Mike Mines has been fiercely determined to ensure that his two children know what he had not known much of his life — his family’s history.
