Thursday, December 28
America’s anti-immigrant past never died, by David W. Marshall
The Statue of Liberty stands proudly in Upper New York Bay as a symbol of freedom and a welcoming beacon to the “huddled masses” and “those yearning to be free.” Originally conceived as an emblem of the friendship between the people of France and the United States, it is a sign of their mutual desire for freedom. It also was meant to celebrate the abolition of slavery.
As social media guardrails fade and AI deepfakes go mainstream, experts warn of impact on elections
Nearly three years after rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol, the false election conspiracy theories that drove the violent attack remain prevalent on social media and cable news: suitcases filled with ballots, late-night ballot dumps, dead people voting. Experts warn it will likely be worse in the coming presidential election contest. The safeguards that attempted to counter the bogus claims the last time are eroding, while the tools and systems that create and spread them are only getting stronger.
Musician and mail carrier Harold Lighty Sr. dies at age 90
Harold Ronald “Van” Lighty Sr., who often received standing ovations after making his drums speak, was a fixture on the Richmond jazz scene for more than 60 years.
A whale of an ecosystem issue, by Ben Jealous
Thanks to 20th century aquariums and marine theme parks, orcas – also known as killer whales – are the most iconic whales in America. When the public learned their captivity involved torture, orca shows disappeared from those parks, as they should have. Now there are signs that certain groups of orcas could disappear entirely.
Hanover case tests parental rights
The case of a Hanover County mother is providing a test of the proposition that parents matter — a currently popular Virginia political slogan.
VCU’s rat de-bait
State senator sounds alarm over Monroe Park rodents
Virginia Commonwealth University claims that rats in Monroe Park can rip open metal trash cans to get to discarded food—even though an inspection of the metal cans show that the bottoms are undamaged. The university, which handles maintenance of the park, issued that claim in response to a query from Richmond state Sen. Ghazal Hashmi about VCU’s expenditure of $2,400 a month to spread poison-bait rat traps throughout the city’s oldest park.
Building on a dream
Despite the nearly 1,000 signatures and letters of support Shiree Monterio obtained for a proposed Essex Point at Mt. Clement, the Essex County Board of Supervisors denied her efforts to have her family’s land rezoned for a housing development property.
Wildcats’ Byrd is the word
Armstrong’s standout athlete feels ‘capable of doing anything’
There was only one No. 5 on the Armstrong High football roster, but it must have seemed like four to the Wildcats’ opponents.
Millner’s next mission
Pastor’s retirement will not stop his service to the community
The Rev. Tyler C. Millner Sr., pastor of Martinsville’s Morning Star Holy Church for the past 33 years, will deliver his final sermon on Sunday, Dec. 31.
VUU’s Parker to coach in New Orleans
Dr. Alvin Parker’s football coaching excellence at Virginia Union University hasn’t gone unnoticed. Coach Parker has been named as a co-coach for Team Gaither in the HBCU Legacy Bowl Feb. 24 at Tulane University in New Orleans.
Kwanzaa celebration
The seven-day Kwanzaa holiday is in full swing, with the largest community event in Virginia set to take place from 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, at the Greater Richmond Conven- tion Center in Downtown.
Personality: Chris R. Hairston-White
Spotlight on ART 180 Board of Trustees president
Growing up, Chris Hairston-White had limited exposure to art instruction or education. Thus, she honed her natural skills and creativity without much help or outside influences, resulting in what she describes as “a creative who often creates in isolation.”
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority presents 2023 debutantes
“A Royal Holiday Affair” was the theme for this year’s Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Debutante Presentation and Ball on Dec. 16 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Seventeen young women participated in this year’s ball sponsored by the AKA’s Upsilon Omega Chapter in collaboration with Zenobia’s Promise Foundation.
Attorney Derrick Thomas dies at age 61
Protecting the injured was a calling for Attorney Derrick Thomas.
Ruins of ancient Nero’s Theater discovered near Vatican
Rome’s next luxury hotel has some very good bones: Archaeologists said Wednesday that the ruins of Nero’s Theater, an imperial theater referred to in ancient Roman texts but never found, have been discovered under the garden of a future Four Seasons Hotel steps from the Vatican.
City Council enters new year eyeing new leadership
Fourth District City Councilwoman Kristen M. Nye is anticipated to be the new president of Richmond’s governing body. Next Tuesday, Jan. 2, City Council will hold its organizational meeting to vote on new officers following the departure of Dr. Michael J. Jones.
New Year closing schedule
In observance of New Year’s Day, Monday, Jan. 1, please note the following:
Sharon Baptist Church hosts New Year’s Emancipation Day Service
One Jan. 1, 1863, as the Civil War raged, President Abraham Lincoln took the momentous step of abolishing slavery in Virginia and other Southern states that were fighting to break away from the United States. That watershed moment in American history once again will be celebrated in Richmond on New Year’s Day at a service sponsored by the Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Richmond and Vicinity at a new location.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:
Prayers, encouragement at City Jail
The 7th Annual Day of Grace, Faith & Hope will take place from noon to 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 1, at the Richmond City Justice Center, 1701 Fairfield Way, it has been announced.
AMC Theatres issues apology, talks with Barber, will meet next week in Greenville after he was forced to leave over chair
AMC Theatres has issued a statement of apology and will meet with Bishop William J. Barber II after he was escorted out of its Greenville theater when he was not allowed to use his own chair to watch a movie, according to WNCT 9 television in Greenville, N.C.
A Year in Photos
Communities are defined as a unified body of individuals, people with common interests living in a particular area, a body of persons of common and professional interests scattered through a larger society, or a body of persons or nations having a common history or common social, economic and political interest. Throughout the year, Richmond Free Press photojournalists’ diligently pursue and capture such images that are reflective of our communities.
Virginia Tech’s Brooks is halfway to 1,000 wins
Coach and women’s team think like champions, play like champions
Kenny Brooks has lifted Virginia Tech women’s basketball to new heights, and he’s far from finished.
CFP has a Southern drawl
Officially, it’s the College Football Playoff. Unofficially it’s been the “Southern Showdown.”
Thursday, December 21
Despite defendants’ inability to pay court fees, many still incur costs
“Anyone charged with a crime that can result in jail or prison time is entitled to legal representation. In the familiar line from the Miranda warning, “You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, one will be appointed to you.”
On probation
VUU has a year to meet financial accreditation standards
Virginia Union University remains optimistic of lifting the dark cloud that hangs over its accreditation – a key requirement for its students to access federal student loans – despite record enrollment, a strengthened academic program and increased donations.
Homeless people who died on U.S. streets are increasingly remembered at winter solstice gatherings
With his gap-tooth smile, hip-hop routines and volunteer work for a food charity, Roosevelt White III was well known in the downtown Phoenix tent city known as “The Zone.”
Personality: Wonnease Rhone
Spotlight on 5 Loaves founder and executive director
For as long as she remembers, Wonnease Rhone has provided food — particularly hot soup and sandwiches — to people in need.
Black American solidarity with Palestinians is rising and testing long-standing ties to Jewish allies
Cydney Wallace, a Black Jewish community activist, never felt compelled to travel to Israel, though “next year in Jerusalem” was a constant refrain at her Chicago synagogue.
Retired educator Eva W. Hicks remembered
Eva Mae Wilkins Hicks, whose career as a teacher and guidance counselor for Richmond Public Schools spanned nearly 45 years, has died.
Miller and son are dynamic duo at VSU
Toddler steals hearts of basketball team and fans
Amesha Miller is more than just a student-athlete at Virginia State University. She’s that rare student-athlete and mother.
Capital City Kwanzaa Festival is Dec. 30
The Elegba Folklore Society is bringing Black-centered holiday cheer, with the return of the annual Capital City Kwanzaa Festival on Saturday, Dec. 30, in Exhibit Hall B of the Greater Richmond Convention Center from 1 to 7 p.m.
Richmond church gains $1.25M mental health program grant
A historic East End church has been awarded $1.25 million from the Lilly Endowment to promote mental health and hire psychologists and other professionals to serve congregants and the community.
GRTC to upgrade service on Jan. 14 on four routes
GRTC will ring in the new year with service improvements on four routes, including the Pulse rapid-transit line.
9th District School Board seat open
With Nicole Jones moving to City Council, the Richmond School Board Tuesday began seeking applicants interested in filling the 9th District School Board until a new representative is elected in November 2024.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:
VMFA announces free admission to ‘Elegy’ for state employees, preschool, K-12 teachers
Commonwealth of Virginia employees and preschool and K–12 teachers (public and private) will receive free admission to the new exhibition Virginia Museum of Fine Arts “Dawoud Bey: Elegy,” according to the museum. Active duty military and their immediate families also can receive free admission to special exhibitions through the museum’s year-round participation in the Blue Star Museums program. The exhibition is now on view at VMFA through February 25, 2024.
His home has become a museum
John W. Bynum Jr. loves Black history so much he’s turned his split-level home in Chesterfield County into a small museum.
Let’s move to correct shelter issues
A recent Richmond Free Press article noted there are not enough shelters for adults with children in the Richmond area.
Rattlers shine in James’ shoes
Florida A&M University, perhaps with a little help from LeBron James, is the Celebration Bowl and National Black Colleges football champion.
A Wilder celebration
Former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder will be celebrated for his 70 years of public service and historic achievements next year in “A National Ovation to L. Douglas Wilder.”
RVA Sports Awards finalists announced
The Richmond Region Tourism Foundation and its partners have announced the finalists for the 3rd Annual RVA Sports Awards, an event to honor athletes, coaches and groups working to better the region through sports.
Watch out
’Tis the Christmas season and Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin played Santa Claus on Wednesday when passing out his new Virginia spending plan for the next two years.
College presidents on antisemitism, by Annie Ma
Over five hours at a con- gressional hearing, lawmakers pressed the presidents of Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania and MIT on the topic of anti- semitism. In some instances, they were unable to say whether calls for the genocide of Jews would violate their schools’ conduct policies. The backlash started almost immediately. Penn’s leader stepped down within days. Har- vard’s presi- dent was on the hot seat for nearly a week before a university gov- erning board announced she would stay on the job. R e p u b l i - cans and Dem- ocrats alike criticized responses the presidents gave at the Dec. 5 hearing of a U.S. House committee on antisemitism on college campuses. In particular, the uproar centered on a line of questioning from Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., who repeatedly asked how each university’s code of conduct would handle calls for the genocide of Jews. Early in the questioning, Rep. Stefanik asked the presi- dents about chants for “intifada,” an Arabic word for “uprising” or “resistance.” Rep. Stefanik equated calls for an intifada as a call for a global Jewish genocide. Here is a look at the testimony given by Claudine Gay, of Har- vard, Liz Magill of Penn, and Sally Kornbluth of MIT. Liz Magill of PENN During the hearing, Rep. Ste- fanik asked Ms. Magill, “Does calling for the genocide of Jews violate Penn’s rules or code of conduct? Yes or no?” Ms. Magill repeatedly de- clined to give a yes or no answer. She emphasized the university’s policies considered whether “speech turns into conduct,” in which case it would be consid- ered harassment. Rep. Stefanik continued to demand a definitive answer. Ms. Magill responded that if speech were “directed and severe, pervasive, it is harassment,” and that whether a student would be punished is “a context-dependent decision.” That answer became a flash- point of the criticism of Ms. Magill. The day after the hearing, Ms. Magill said in a video statement released by the university that a call for the genocide of Jewish people would be considered harassment or intimidation. Still, Penn alumni and donors increased pressure on the board for Ms. Magill to resign, a cam- paign that dated to earlier in the fall, when the university allowed a Palestinian literary festival to take place on campus despite allegations that some speakers had shown antisemitism in other comments. Amid growing pressure from donors who said they would pull money from the university, Ms. Magill and board chairman Scott Bok resigned. Claudine Gay of Harvard Dr. Gay, the first Black woman president of the 400-year-old university, also was asked by Rep. Stefanik whether similar speech would violate Harvard’s policies. She gave a similar response to Ms. Magill, emphasizing that context and whether the speech turned into conduct would factor into any disciplinary decisions. “Antisemitic rhetoric, when it crosses into conduct, that amounts to bullying, harassment, intimidation. That is actionable conduct, and we do take action,” Dr. Gay said. “So the answer is yes. That calling for the genocide of Jews violates Harvard’s Code of Con- duct. Correct?” Rep. Stefanik asked. Dr. Gay reiterated that it depended on the context. “It does not does not depend on the context,” Rep. Stefanik responded. “The answer is yes, and this is why you should resign.” A day after the hearing, Dr. Gay condemned calls for violence against Jewish students in a state- ment posted by the university to X, formerly Twitter. Sally Kornbluth of MIT Dr. Kornbluth also was ques- tioned by Rep. Stefanik about policies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She responded by saying speech targeted at individuals, not public statements, would be considered a violation of bullying and harass- ment policies. Rep. Stefanik then asked, “Yes or no: Calling for the genocide of Jews does not constitute bullying and harassment?” Dr. Kornbluth responded that she had not “heard calling for the genocide of Jews on our campus.” Rep. Stefanik then asked Dr. Kornbluth whether she had heard demonstrators calling for an intifada. Palestinians have launched two intifadas against Israel — one in the late 1980s and one in the early 2000s. Both were to protest Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and both involved violence. But since Hamas’ massacre in Israel in October, some Jews have interpreted calls for globalizing the intifada as a call for broader attacks against Jews. “I’ve heard chants which can be antisemitic, depending on the context when calling for the elimination of the Jewish people,” Rep. Kornbluth said. Speech would be investigated as harassment if it were “pervasive and severe,” she said. In a written note to the MIT community two days after the hearing, the chair of the MIT Corporation signaled the execu- tive committee’s support for Rep. Kornbluth, who is Jewish. “She has done excellent work in lead- ing our community, including in addressing antisemitism, Islamo- phobia, and other forms of hate, all of which we reject utterly at MIT,” the statement said. The writer covers education, race and ethnicity for the Associ-
Problematic political rhetoric, by Clarence Page
As someone who has appreciated the power of protest and activism on achieving progress in the U.S. and the world, it’s hard for me to watch the current high emotions over the Middle East devolve into arguments about the meanings of slogans.
Increasing opportunities for underrepresented minorities in STEM
On Dec. 15, House Science, Space and Technology (SST) Committee Member, Virginia Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan; SST Ranking Member, California Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren; and Ranking Member of the SST Subcommittee and Technology, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens sent the following letter Comptroller General Gene Dodaro, asking the Government Accountability Office to study the financial instability of graduate and postdoctoral STEM scholars.
Oklahoma judge rules man who wrongfully spent nearly 50 years in prison for murder is innocent
An Oklahoma judge has exonerated a man who spent nearly 50 years in prison for murder, the longest serving inmate to be declared innocent of a crime.
Stand’n up for books!
There’s lots of folks who want to secede, From cultural books afraid they might read,
Hall of Famer McGinnis dies at age 73
George McGinnis, whose basketball Hall of Fame career spanned multiple seasons in the old ABA and NBA, died Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, of heart complications. He was 73.
Number of Black quarterbacks honored with Heisman continues to climb
A running back was the model for the iconic Heisman Trophy statue, but over time it is increasingly awarded to quarterbacks.
Cherished Holiday Memories
Holiday memories are created by family — whether it is the family in which we are born or the family we create through church, work or social interactions. May these reflections of cherished holiday memories, shared by four Richmond residents, bring you a renewed sense of joy and peace now and in the coming year. Happy holidays!
Good tidings
Various civic and social organizations continue the holiday spirit by sharing both tangible and intangible gifts throughout the community.
Henrico to accept Christmas trees for recycling Dec. 26 through Jan. 9
Henrico County will accept Christmas trees for recycling into mulch from Tuesday, Dec. 26, through Tuesday, Jan. 9.
Liberty’s Flames turning into a bonfire
On a winning football scale of one to 13, Liberty University is a 13. There are only four undefeated major college football teams left, and one of them is located only a fast two hours west in Lynchburg.
West Virginia’s Farrakhan, others suit up after court ruling against NCAA transfer policy
College athletes who have transferred multiple times but were denied the chance to compete immediately can play through the remainder of the academic year, a federal judge ruled Monday. U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey in West Virginia made the ruling on a motion filed Friday by the NCAA and a coalition of states suing the organization. Judge Bailey extended a temporary restraining order he issued last Wednesday barring the NCAA from enforcing its transfer rule for 14 days.
Thursday, December 14
Highland Park’s Highland Grove development halted
A long-awaited 122-unit subdivision that is supposed to rise on nearly 40 acres in the 500 block of Dove Street in Highland Park remains shut down.
Library of Virginia’s ‘Indigenous Perspectives,’ highlights state’s tribal citizens
A new multimedia exhibition at the Library of Virginia explores voices and experiences of Virginia’s tribal communities and how they remain a vital part of Virginia’s culture today.
VCU Health Sciences Library exhibits focus on HIV/AIDS
“Let communities lead” was the theme of World AIDS Day, which this year fell on Friday, Dec. 1. Although AIDS deaths and HIV infection rates do not often lead news reports in 2023, that does not mean that HIV/ AIDS does not continue to impact people’s lives and our health care systems.
State Jails Board creates improvement plan for City Jail
Investigation cites 6 deaths, inconsistent inspections and other unmet standards
Only a small staff of deputies is working in the Richmond City Justice Center on any given day, the Free Press is being told, as the number of sworn officers under the command of Sheriff Antionette V. Irving continues to fall.
Lawsuits filed against RPS regarding school shooting report
Multiple lawsuits have been filed against the Richmond School Board for refusing to release the findings of an external investigation into the June 6 mass shooting in Monroe Park after the Huguenot High School graduation ceremony.
Shining stars
Bernadine Simmons, L. Victor Collins and Andre Braugher remembered
The world had Oprah. Richmond had Bernie. Longtime television journalist Bernadine A. “Bernie” Simmons, who died Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, at age 79, was well known to many in Richmond and surrounding communities as the creator and face of NBC12’s popular “12 About Town” news show.
Give a child a book for Christmas, by Julianne Malveaux
They don’t call it “Black Friday” because they love Black people; they call it Black Friday because many businesses are pushed into the black (from the red ink of losses to the black ink of profits) on that day or into the holiday season.
America no longer the ‘land of opportunity’, by David W. Marshall
When the governors of Texas, Arizona and Florida took advantage of the welcoming traditions provided by sanctuary cities, it was meant to get rid of an unwanted problem. More than 23,000 asylum seekers have been bused to Chicago from Texas since the beginning of the year. As the cold weather sets in, people in the nation’s third largest city are sheltering on sidewalks, at police station foyers and at the city’s airport.
Youngkin proposes millions in child care subsidies
To the delight of beleaguered day care operations and child advocates, Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin is calling for an investment of $484 million a year into child care— with most going to help parents cover the surging costs.
Nicole Jones appointed as Michael Jones’ interim replacement on City Council
Richmond School Board member Nicole Jones has received a big boost to her campaign for the 9th District City Council seat.
Personality: Darryl A. Stuckey Sr.
Spotlight on Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s Beta Gamma Lambda Education Foundation vice chair
When a young boy sought to escape the bullying he routinely endured in school, Darryl A. Stuckey Sr. stepped in to help the youth gain not only a sense of purpose, but a stronger sense of self.
Retired Richmond educator Shirley E.S. Harris dies at age 89
Shirley Estelle Savage Harris spent four decades seeking to instill a love of learning in local Richmond schoolchildren. Mrs. Harris was best known for the more than 30 years she taught at William Fox Elementary School.
Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights voted best in the nation
The Richmond region is now home to the country’s best “Botanical Garden Holiday Lights.” This year, voters helped Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden secure the number one spot in the USA Today 10 Best contest. The win comes after two consecutive years in the No. 2 spot.
It’s time to celebrate
Florida A&M and Howard head to bowl game in ATL
The eighth Celebration Bowl will have a first-time winner this year. Florida A&M and Howard are newbies to the annual event used to crown the de facto Black National Champion.
Chesterfield students to benefit from new outdoor classroom
Salem Church Middle School and Communities In Schools of Chesterfield (CIS) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 29 to launch the school’s new outdoor classroom. Initial funding for the collaborative project came from U.S. Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant which aims to address post-pandemic impacts on students — something especially important in a school where the majority of the students are low-income and Black and Brown, the same populations disproportionately negatively impacted by COVID and its long-term effects.
Bronny makes USC debut
Bronny James’ much-awaited college debut will be remembered for plenty of excitement, but also a painful loss.
Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. to co-convene environmental justice and racial equity course at Duke University
Duke University plans to welcome National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. as the 2024 Environmental Justice and Racial Equity Fellow. A distinguished civil rights leader, global business figure, faith leader, and public intellectual, Dr. Chavis will link his teaching, research and service contributions with Duke’s strategic objectives, notably climate change and racial equity.
Audit report dings Finance Department
More than a quarter of registered vehicle owners wrongly assessed penalties, late fees
The Richmond Finance Department wrongly hit owners of 66,057 vehicles with late payment fees and interest in 2022 even though the owners paid by the deadline, a new audit has found.
Biden calls ‘surge’ in antisemitism ‘sickening’ during White House Hanukkah reception
President Biden hosted a Hanukkah reception at the White House on Monday night, vowing to continue to stand with Israel in its war with Hamas while saying that a “surge of antisemitism” around the globe “is sickening.”
Eureka!
FDA approves milestone treatments for sickle cell disease
Two breakthrough gene therapies can now be used to treat and possibly cure sickle cell anemia, the genetic blood disorder that afflicts 100,000 mostly Black Americans and 20 million people worldwide. But the announcement from the Food and Drug Administration of approval of the treatments — the first use of medicines to address an inherited disease — drew cheers and caution flags from those in the field.
Library of Virginia and William & Mary Libraries announce Children’s Literary Award
The Library of Virginia, in partnership with William & Mary Libraries, is accepting nominations for a new award honoring excellence in the field of children’s literature with a focus on Virginia.
Virginia Repertory Theatre presents “Gospel Nativity” this weekend
Virginia Repertory Theatre will present “Gospel Nativity,” a special holiday show as a workshop at 7 p.m. Dec 16 and 17 in the Jessie Bogese Theatre at Virginia Rep Center for Arts and Education, 4202 Hermitage Road.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:
Christmas at Creighton
Gifts that keep on giving
Holiday cheer is coming to the Creighton Court public housing community on Saturday, Dec. 16, during Christmas at Creighton.
Dominion Energy to partner with VSU on energy storage project
There is a push to transform the energy sector and find ways to generate and deliver power through renewable energy sources. Dominion Energy is building the largest offshore wind project in the U.S. and has solar farms around the state. However, to transition reliably and effectively requires a critical component sometimes overlooked in the discussion — battery storage.
Harding scores most points by a Panther since 1990
Virginia Union University enjoyed the CIAA’s top scorer a year ago in Robert Osborne. With Osborne having graduated, the Panthers may have another scoring champ this year in Tahj Harding.
Versatility defines Travis Hunter’s MVP award
Travis Hunter is college football’s MVP …no, not Most Valuable player, but rather Most Versatile Player.
Smith says ‘anchors aweigh’
Basketball standout Kyah Smith has proven to be in ship-shape as a college freshman. The native Richmonder and former L.C. Bird High of Chesterfield star is making waves at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.
Williams’ impressive moves at VCU continue in NBA
Vince Williams Jr.’s name should be added to VCU’s impressive list of players to make an impact in the NBA.
The Dodgers gave Shohei Ohtani $700M to hit and pitch — but also because he can sell
Shohei Ohtani’s jaw-dropping $700 million, 10-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers has some similarities to other contracts for the world’s biggest sports stars, including soccer icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, along with NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
The breakthrough
A long-awaited treatment for sickle cell anemia is highlighted in this week’s Free Press.
Thursday, December 7
City Charter changes approved
Among the first bills that Dr. Michael J. Jones could patron as a new member of the House of Delegates is one that would usher in changes to the City Charter, or constitution. Now the president of City Council, a post he will give up Dec. 31, he was among six members who agreed Monday to support a package of charter changes and send the package to the Virginia legislature for approval.
School Board to build new Woodville; won’t merge with Fairfield Court
The Richmond School Board plans to keep five elementary schools in operation in the East End in the face of shrinking enrollment that has left at least two schools half empty.
Luminaries admired and debunked
Three towering figures have died in recent days: former first lady Rosalyn Carter, retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.
Personality: Charlene J. Whitfield
Spotlight on Greater Richmond Partnership board chair
In 2017 Charlene Whitfield became part of a group that brings business to the Richmond area in an effort to ensure economic opportunity for workers. Ms. Whitfield, who then was employed at Dominion Energy, was selected to represent the company at the Greater Richmond Partnership, which provides resources for new businesses in the region, creates quality jobs and increases the tax base for community services.
Mayor Stoney jumps into governor’s race
Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney, after months of hinting, this week made it official that he will be in the race for governor in 2025 and quickly began picking up endorsements.
Send-offs show Carlton Pearson’s split legacy spurred by his inclusive beliefs, rejection of hell
Before his peers would label him a heretic, the late Bishop Carlton D. Pearson was once one of the best known preachers in the nation.
Open for needy
Shelter options few for adults with children despite increase in beds
City Hall has followed through on expanding winter shelter in the Richmond area, but families with children still are being left out in the cold, the Free Press has confirmed. Operators on Richmond’s Homeless Crisis Hotline are advising homeless adults with children that all shelter space reserved for them is full and that they should call back weekly to see if there is an opening.
Longtime Henrico County educator Marilyn Hinson Royal dies
Marilyn (Elise) Hinson Royal, a trailblazing force at the intersection of teaching, learning, and leadership, died on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, leaving behind a legacy as vast as the universe she inspired her students to explore.
City School Board approves metal detectors in middle schools
In an effort to reduce weapons coming into in the schools and to ward off increased incidents of violence, Richmond Public Schools will install metal detectors in every middle school early next year.
Kevin McCarthy, booted as House speaker 2 months ago, leaving Congress by year’s end
Two months after his historic ouster as U.S. House speaker, Republican Rep. Kevin McCarthy said Wednesday that he is resigning and will leave Congress by the end of the year.
Justice Sandra Day O’Connor will lie in repose at the Supreme Court on Dec. 18
Retired Justice Sandra Day O’Connor will lie in repose at the Supreme Court on Dec. 18, with a funeral service at the National Cathedral the following day, the court said Monday.
Woman says former executive who defrauded city also fooled her
Sharon B. Holmes is relieved that a retired senior executive in the Richmond Department of Public Works is going to prison for engineering a scheme that ripped off the department for $600,000.
JM maintains advantage with top talent
Coach Ty White: ‘This will be by far the toughest schedule we’ve ever played’
John Marshall High has dominated area and state basketball for years. Expect more of the same in the coming months.
Richmond Symphony hopes to give and receive
The Richmond Symphony will accompany “The Nutcracker,” a holiday tradition for many, at the Carpenter Theater Dec. 8-24.
Norman Lear, producer of top TV sitcoms, dies at 101
Norman Lear, the writer, director and producer who revolutionized primetime television with “All in the Family,” “The Jeffersons” and “Maude,” propelling political and social turmoil into the once-insulated world of TV sitcoms, has died. He was 101.
VCU to celebrate fall commencement Saturday
Sethuraman Panchanathan, Ph.D., director of the National Science Foundation, will deliver the keynote address when Virginia Commonwealth University celebrates its December commencement on Saturday, Dec. 9.
Council meets to discuss Jones’ replacement in 9th District
Next Monday, Dec. 11, eight members of City Council will vote to seat a replacement for outgoing City Council President Michael J. Jones, who is headed to the House of Delegates.
VCU reflection room promotes student wellness
A new, multipurpose space on the second floor of Virginia Commonwealth University’s James Branch Cabell Library will provide students a quiet area for meditation, contemplation and prayer.
Henry Kissinger’s complicated legacy draws admiration, scorn
The death of former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger drew both admiration and scorn last Thursday from political leaders around the world, highlighting the complicated legacy of Mr. Kissinger’s views about what it meant to serve America’s interests during the Cold War — and how the country should exert its influence.
Santos’ shenanigans
Expelled congressman selling personalized videos for $200
George Santos already has a new gig.
Home again: VMFA returns ancient works to their countries of origin
44 pieces are back in Italy, Egypt and Türkiye
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) announced Tuesday that it has deaccessioned and returned 44 works of ancient art following an investigation by the Antiquities Trafficking Unit of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security into the global trafficking of looted or stolen antiquities.
Black women’s hair and chemicals nothing to relax about
In case you have missed this, a major lawsuit is underway to benefit Black women who used chemical hair relaxers and later developed uterine and ovarian cancer.
Election 2024 and LGBTQ+ rights, by Errin Haines
The last year in politics has seen an erosion of rights for LGBTQ+ Americans, who are facing an assault on their very existence, with bans on books that affirm their experience, to hundreds of bills in statehouses targeting the rights of transgender youth.
Kissinger’s legacy — it’s complicated, by Clarence Page
Over his century on Earth, Henry Kissinger left a big mark, love him or hate him. And a lot of people sure did hate him.
Vice President Harris breaks nearly 200-year-old record for Senate tiebreaker votes, casts her 32nd
Vice President Kamala Harris broke a nearly 200-year-old record for casting the most tie-breaking votes in the Senate when she voted Tuesday to confirm a new federal judge in Washington, D.C.
What if Donald Trump is convicted? Republican convention rules don’t address issue
The Republican National Committee’s rules for next year’s nominating contest and convention were released this week without addressing a question the GOP could well face next summer: Can the party’s delegates vote for a different candidate if the presumptive nominee is convicted of a felony?
NSU defeats VCU 63-60
Norfolk State probably felt like painting the town green and gold last Friday. In a head-spinning upset, the visitors defeated VCU, 63-60, in front of a partisan, sold out crowd of nearly 8,000 at the Siegel Center.
VUU, VSU women off to races
When they heard “on your mark, get set, go!” both Virginia Union and Virginia State were more than ready to burst out of the starting blocks.
JMU’s Bickerstaff no stranger to basketball
If the name Bickerstaff sounds familiar to basketball and/or movie fans, it should.
Mayden brothers pitch Black-owned baseball league open to all
Think you can play baseball? Here’s your chance.
Former Henrico hoops star transfers to Baylor
Jada Walker has taken her talents to the Lone Star State.
Friday, December 1
VSU Marching Band named top divisional band by ESPN
Virginia State University’s Trojan Explosion Marching Band has been named the top Division II HBCU band in the country in 2023, according to ESPN the university has announced.
Showing up and showing out
HBCU football attracted more fans this season
Football attendance was way up this season at Norfolk State University and Hampton University.
