Thursday, July 27
Thumbs up: Circuit court OKs casino referendum for Nov. 7 ballot
Voters have the power to change South Side’s ‘economic trajectory,’ says Mayor
Richmond voters are all but certain to have a second chance to decide whether the city should host a casino resort.
Chesterfield County receives $755,000 broadband grant
Chesterfield County has been awarded a $755,523 grant through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Develop- ment’s Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) to support the county’s partnership with All Points Broadband and Dominion Energy to develop broadband availability countywide.
City Councilwoman says rumors of eminent domain in North Side ‘not true’
A hoax that created a small uproar over the Richmond leg of the $266 million regional Fall Line Trail is being dispelled.
New signs discourage drivers from giving out money
Nearly two dozen signs designed to decrease panhandling and distracted driving recently popped up at busy intersections in Richmond.
Richmond area feeling impact from visitors
More visitors are coming to the Richmond area to participate in conventions and sporting events, giving a boost to the regional economy, generating jobs and filling hotels.
RPS presents Summer Fest
Richmond Public Schools students, family, staff and the larger Richmond community are invited to join the 4th Annual RPS Summer Fest on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Richmond High School for the Arts (formerly George Wythe High School), 4314 Crutchfield St.
Bronny James, son of leBron, in stable condition after cardiac arrest at USC basketball practice
Bronny James, the oldest son of NBA superstar LeBron James, was hospitalized after going into cardiac arrest while participating in a practice at the University of Southern California, a family spokesman said Tuesday.
Women’s soccer league returning to Richmond
A new pre-professional soccer team is heading to Richmond, according to the news site Axios.
Frederick D. Haynes III on succeeding Jesse Jackson, marching and ‘woke preaching’
The Rev. Frederick D. Haynes III, who has led a Black megachurch in Dallas for 40 years, has just been chosen to succeed the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who was president of Rainbow PUSH Coalition for more than five decades. Like Rev. Jackson, the senior pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church has been known for preaching and protesting, following in the footsteps of role models like the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Obamas’ personal chef drowns near family’s home
Former President Obama’s personal chef has drowned near the family’s home on Martha’s Vineyard.
MJBL baseball goes to Nassau
Two local ballplayers have received a taste of international competition in the Babe Ruth Caribbean Classic in Nassau, The Bahamas.
Bluefield returns to CIAA landscape
There is talent aplenty on this year’s Virginia Union University football team ... at least that’s what the Panthers’ rival coaches think.
With huge shoes to fill, VUU builds roster
Virginia Union University is adding two players with NCAA Division I backgrounds to its Division II CIAA basketball program.
It must be Magic
Josh Harris is Commanders’ new owner, Earvin Johnson is team’s minority owner
Washington Commanders fans are already having a good time – 1,000 free beers can put folks in a party mood. Soon after it became official that Josh Harris was the franchise’s new owner, the private equity billionaire called radio station WJFK and ordered 1,000 brews for customers at Old Ox Brewery. “Hail to the Commanders, and drink up,” Harris told his radio audience.
Jacoby Brissett’s experience is a win for Commanders
For every Plan A, there needs to be a Plan B. For right now, that’s quarterback Jacoby Brissett with the Washington Commanders.
Bobby Dandridge recognized in Bullets’ D.C. Sports Hall of Fame induction
Native Richmonder Bobby Dandridge, along with the entire 1977-1978 Washington Bullets, have been inducted into the Washington, D.C. Sports Hall of Fame.
Biden names longtime Hill aide as his legislative affairs director
President Biden is tapping Shuwanza Goff — a veteran congressional aide who also served as his main point of contact to the House at the start of the administration — as his new director of legislative affairs, making her the first Black woman to be the White House’s chief emissary to Capitol Hill.
Concern for Creighton Court residents
That was a very good and detailed article on the residents of Creighton Court (Richmond Free Press, July 13-15, 2023). Many (Creighton Court residents) have a right to be worried about where they will live when their housing is demolished.
You can’t bury hope or history, by Julianne Malveaux
On July 16, Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson announced that he would pivot from his role as president of the National Rainbow Coalition to become a university professor and adviser to his successor, the Rev. Frederick Douglas Haynes III, an activist and the pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas. This announcement, accompanied by a laudatory speech from Vice President Kamala Harris, should have been front-page news. Instead, except for the Chicago newspapers, Rev. Jackson’s resignation from the group he founded in 1971 garnered little national news.
All is forgiven? by Charlene Crowell
When the Biden Administration announced its latest initiative to reduce the nation’s unsustainable trillion dollar student debt, both borrowers and advocates rejoiced. In the coming weeks an estimated 804,000 student loan borrowers will together receive $39 billion in federal loan debt cancellations.
Slavery was good?
Africans were so lucky to be captured, shipped in torturous conditions away from their homeland, stripped of their languages, kinship, religion and culture and bound into perpetual servitude in America so that they could learn “useful skills.” Pretty preposterous, right? Not for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
DHR approves 7 state historical highway markers
City’s African burial ground, Washington Park to be recognized; Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup hailed
The Virginia Board of Historic Resources recently approved seven new historical markers that will be placed along roadsides in Virginia. The signs will highlight the City of Richmond’s first municipal African burial ground; three communities founded by formerly enslaved African-Americans after the Civil War; and the life and work of Arthur Crudup, a 20th century blues musician of the Eastern Shore whose song, “That’s All Right,” launched the career of Elvis Presley.
Ezibu Muntu marks 50th year at Dogwood Dell program
Ezibu Muntu, the oldest African dance company in the Richmond area, will mark its 50th year with a “golden” dance program at Dogwood Dell at 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:
RRHA prepares to launch home-buying initiative
Richmond is preparing to become the first place in the country to test a revamped federal regulation aimed toward making it easier for people who hold housing vouchers or live in public housing to buy homes. Describing it as a “groundbreaking and historic ini- tiative” that would build wealth for those who qualify, Steven B. Nesmith, the chief executive officer for the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority,
Council approves Highland Park housing units, ban on wild animals, and more honorary street signs
Rushing to get to their August recess, City Council spent less than 90 minutes passing more than 40 pieces of mostly routine legislation that largely involved approvals of special use permits for development and authorizations for future transportation projects.
Albert Ruffin assumes lead Eastern Star post
A Richmond area man has been elected to a top state post in the women’s auxiliary of the Prince Hall Masons.
Former city educator memorialized at Fifth Baptist Church
Emma Darlene Nunery, a veteran Richmond educator whose career spanned more than 40 years, has died.
VSU’s legacy of musical excellence
Earlier this year it was announced that Virginia State University was awarded the prestigious All-Steinway School designation — a recognition of their commitment to providing only pianos from the Steinway & Sons company for students and faculty to use.
Jaylen Brown, Celtics agreement is biggest in NBA history
The Boston Celtics have answered their most pressing question of the offseason. Jaylen Brown will be part of the franchise for the foreseeable future.
Personality: Tiya Williams
Spotlight on Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity board chairman
Tiya Williams, a board member of Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity since 2015 and the outgoing board chair, knows from personal experience the life-changing effect the nonprofit can have on people’s lives.
At International African American Museum opening, a reclaiming of sacred ground for enslaved kin
When the International African American Museum opened to the public last month in South Carolina, it became a new site of homecoming and pilgrimage for descendants of enslaved Africans whose arrival in the Western Hemisphere begins on the docks of the low country coast.
For Emmett Till’s family, national monument proclamation cements his inclusion in the American story
When President Biden signed a proclamation Tuesday establishing a national monument honoring Emmett Till and his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, it marked the fulfillment of a promise Till’s relatives made after his death 68 years ago. The Black teenager from Chicago, whose abduction, torture and killing in Mississippi in 1955 helped propel the Civil Rights Movement, is now an American story, not just a civil rights story, said Mr. Till’s cousin the Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr. “It has been quite a journey for me from the darkness to the light,” Mr. Parker said during a proclamation signing ceremony at the White House attended by dozens, including other
Bold beginnings
RPS pilots new program at 2 schools
It was bright and sunny Monday morning when Angela Swafford brought her sons, Zarkarin and Zionyah, back to school. While other Richmond students and parents are still in the middle of the summer break, Ms. Swafford was one of the first of many parents escorting their children to Fairfield Court Elementary School this week as part of a pilot program extending the school’s semester from 180 to 200 days.
Thursday, July 20
Where are we?, by Faye Williams
As children, when my siblings and I did something good, my mother never failed to compliment us. On the other hand, when we did something bad, she never failed to chastise us by providing a bit of corrective action!
New life, new name for Wythe
When making remarks about the new Richmond High School of the Arts last Saturday, Jason Kamras’ words were noticeably cheerful and upbeat.
City names Edwards as police chief
Richmond's top cop will be paid a record $216,000
Richard “Rick” Edwards is now the city’s 21st chief of police.
Jesse Jackson steps back from PUSH
The Rev. Jesse Jackson announced Saturday that he will step down as president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Chicago-based civil rights group he founded more than 50 years ago.
Revered dentist, Dr. James ‘Mac’ McCain Jr., dies at 85
Dr. James “Mac” McCain Jr. was often described as the “philanthropist” dentist. During his more than 40 years of practice in Church Hill, he gained a reputation for taking on patients who could not afford his services.
VSU’s Alexis McNair earns new title
Alexis McNair sparkles in the classroom, on the volleyball court and even at The Diamond on Arthur Ashe Boulevard.
Maggie Walker’s 159th birthday comes to life
Richmond community members enjoyed a glimpse into the past during celebrations for Maggie L. Walker’s 159th Birthday at Third Street Bethel AME Church and her national historic site in Jackson Ward on July 15.
Changing of the guard
Roger Gregory no longer a chief judge; Reggie Gordon, Damon Jiggetts now head foundations
Judge Roger L. Gregory is now the former chief judge of the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Combating PTSD during, after military career
Sgt. Maj. Keith L. Craig, who was raised in Yantley, Ala., joined the Army in August 1984 at age 17.
City OKs plan for toothless commission to keep tabs on utilities
Also, owning big cats, reptiles, bears and wolves is a ‘no’
City Council is on track to create the city’s first Public Utilities & Services Commission to review issues involving public utilities and pass a modified ban on lions, tigers, alligators and other “exotic or wild animals.”
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:
Virginia NAACP demands to see governor’s criteria for restoring voting rights to felons
The Virginia NAACP on Tuesday called on Gov. Glenn Youngkin to establish clear and publicly available criteria for restoring the voting rights of convicted felons who have served their time, saying the system now is secretive and could discriminate against people of color.
Coming Together Virginia presents ‘Education Not Incarceration’
The school-to-prison pipeline is the focus of an upcoming discussion, “Education Not Incarceration: Stopping the Prison Pipeline,” that will be hosted by Coming Together Virginia on Thursday, July 20,rom 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Branch Museum on 2501 Monument Ave.
Veteran RPS employee loses effort to keep her job
A veteran social worker has lost her job with Richmond Public Schools after a 20-month fight.
Chesterfield County Airport collecting school supplies
The Richmond Executive-Chesterfield County Airport is hosting a community school supplies drive for Chesterfield County Public Schools students through Aug. 11.
Underfunding education can be undone
Like past state leaders, Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin loves to talk about the importance of education and the need for a quality public school system.
Living and learning as classrooms dominate the culture wars in America, by Errin Haines
School’s out for the summer, but the culture wars around education aren’t taking a break. This month, a pair of convenings again showed how the issue is breaking down.
Learn, lead and lift, by Darrell K. Williams
HBCUs will continue to thrive amid diversity debate
After several weeks of national debate, there is broader understanding of the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action and the redefined legal framework that governs diversity initiatives in higher education. The decision reaffirms the importance diversity plays in fostering inclusive learning environments. Admissions policies must strike a balance between meritocracy and equal access, ensuring that all students — regardless of their backgrounds and circumstances — have an equitable opportunity to pursue higher education. This aspect of the decision is not in question.
Detroit’s bankruptcy architect says filing 10 years ago was best fix for broken city
Detroit’s newly hired emergency manager, Kevyn Orr, stood before reporters in March 2013 and issued a warning to city creditors, unions, vendors and others: “Don’t make me go to bankruptcy court. You won’t enjoy it.”
7 women of color seen on soccer stage
The United States Women’s National Soccer team has history, recent momentum, and racial diversity on its side heading into this year’s World Cup.
Britton Wilson’s pro move paying off
It didn’t take long for former Richmonder Britton Wilson to establish herself on the professional track circuit.
Foxx and friends
Christopher Eubanks’ tennis courts star power
His good friend, Jamie Foxx, isn’t call- ing him “Who Banks?” anymore. Christopher Eubanks has gone from an unknown to being on the cusp of a leading man on the international tennis circuit.
Chesterfield’s Johnson and Simmonds sign with USL
The Richmond Kickers have a saying that “if you’re good enough, you’re old enough.”
Woolfolk picks baseball over football
Jay Woolfolk has decided to move forward with baseball and leave football in his rearview mirror.
Hip-hop comes to the Hippodrome
Celebrating art form’s 50 years as a ‘culture-defining superpower’
Local rapper Ant the Symbol remembers when he first connected to the sound of hip-hop. He was 2 years old when he heard “Bonita Applebaum,” a song by New York-based rap group A Tribe Called Quest.
Final tributes for August Moon announced
Funeral arrangements are now complete for Richmond entertainer and political advocate August Moon, who died at age 85 on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.
Thursday, July 13
Cuban stars come out to shine
Baseball is extremely popu- lar among young Black athletes in Cuba. That was obvious during the July 11 Major League All-Star Baseball Game in Seattle in which there were 25 international players in this year’s game.
Making space for history
Shakia Gullette Warren said the story of African-Americans begins in Virginia. That’s part of the reason she’s excited about being the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia’s executive director. She began work in May, succeeding former interim executive director Marland Buckner, who stepped down in June 2022. Mr. Buckner took the helm after Adele Johnson, the center’s longtime executive director, died in April 2021.
Highland Springs’ Greg Dortch heads to DMV in Cardinals vs. Commanders game
The Washington Commanders’ team colors are mostly burgundy and gold. But when the NFL squad opens its season Sept. 2 at FedEx Field, you may see sprinkles of Highland Springs High School’s black and gold in the stands.
Personality: Beth Furgurson
Spotlight on Birdhouse Farmers Market board co-chair
Several years ago, Beth Furgurson began paying closer attention to what she and her family were eating when she was experiencing some health issues. She started visiting farmers’ markets, learned about local foods, volunteered at a farm and began working with local food organizations.
August Moon, a man of many names and vocations, dies at age 85
One of Richmond’s most colorful figures in entertainment and politics has died.
Judge dismisses lawsuit seeking reparations for the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre
An Oklahoma judge has thrown out a lawsuit seeking reparations for the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, dashing an effort to obtain some measure of legal justice by survivors of the deadly racist rampage.
The air up there
A GRTC bus makes a splash at the intersections of Broad Street and CommonwealthAvenue after a torrential downpour in Richmond and surrounding areas on July 8. Such rainfall, causing flash flood warnings, is caused by warm air masses that can hold much more moisture than cooler ones, leading to a longer, heavier rainfall.
Jury decides 2014 document found in Aretha Franklin’s couch is a valid will
A document handwritten by singer Aretha Franklin and found in her couch after her 2018 death is a valid Michigan will, a jury said Tuesday, a critical turn in a dispute that has turned her sons against each other.
Bright Minds RVA to enlighten teens with chess
The Bright Minds RVA Chess Classes and Tournament for Richmond area teens will take place Aug. 7 through 17 at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, 122 W. Leigh St.
Free workshop for clearing records
The Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorneys office, Nolef Turns, Justice Forward Virginia and the Richmond Public Law Library will present a free informational workshop on expungement from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, July 15, at the Richmond Public Library, 101 E. Franklin St.
Erica Abrams Locklear, Kidada Williams lead Library of Virginia author talks
The Library of Virginia’s Carole Weinstein Author Series continues this summer with free talks from experts on regional culture and history.
A lifetime of racism makes Alzheimer’s disease more common in Black Americans
Constance Guthrie is not dead yet, but her daughter has begun to plan her funeral.
Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi has FDA approval now
That means Medicare will pay for it
U.S. officials granted full approval to a closely watched Alzheimer’s drug in late June, clearing the way for Medicare and other insurance plans to begin covering the treatment for people with the brain-robbing disease.
Early voting’s pivot as Youngkin’s pawn
Why are Republicans like Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin suddenly supportive of early voting and same-day registration after spending the past legislative session fruitlessly seeking to get rid of those options?
Lady Soul’s legacy
Many of us have experienced family feuds upon the death of a loved one. Often, before the dearly departed’s body “is cold,” as they say, fights, both physical and verbal, occur.
Clarence Thomas hates Black people, by Julianne Malveaux
As a child in Pinpoint, Ga., Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas was hazed by his classmates with the moniker “America’s Blackest Child.”
Pence is wrong about inequity in education, by Marc Morial
“Decades of research indicate that racism undergirds our public institutions and shapes various aspects of our contemporary society, including public policies. These policies, in turn, shape local school practices that impact the day to day experiences of students in classrooms. Even as schools are shaped by broader trends of racial inequality, they serve to maintain – or in rare cases disrupt – racial inequality for students and families.” – The Inequality Project, Columbia University.
Gun buyback programs are ‘waste of time’
Jeremy Lazarus is correct when he reported that gun buy-back programs do not work; they do nothing to stop gun violence.
Justices teach when the Supreme Court isn’t in session
The job doubles as all-expenses-paid trip
For decades, the University of Hawaii law school has marketed its Jurist-In-Residence program to the Supreme Court as an all-expenses-paid getaway, with the upside of considerable “down time” in paradise.
VCU Rams’ Asare makes Team Canada
Mary-Anna Asare plays basketball for VCU but will represent Canada July15-23 in the FIBAU-19 Women’s World Cup in Madrid.
HBCUs recognized in Seattle
HBCU baseball players had the spotlight on June 7 at T-Mobile Field in Seattle.
Olympic champion Caster Semenya wins human rights testosterone case
Champion runner Caster Semenya won a potentially landmark legal decision for sports on Tuesday when the European Court of Human Rights decided she was discriminated against by rules in track and field that force her to medically reduce her natural hormone levels to compete in major competitions.
Christine King Farris, the last living sibling of Martin Luther King Jr., dies at 95
Christine King Farris, the last living sibling of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., died Thursday, June 29, 2023, at age 95.
Built out or left out?
‘Just because we’re public housing (residents) does not make us any less’
After 69 years, Marilyn Olds, president of both the Richmond Tenant Organization and the Creighton Court Tenant Council, has bid farewell to her home in Creighton Court.
School Board considers safety plan after shooting
The Richmond School Board is considering a multimillion dollar plan to ensure safety and security following a fatal shooting after Huguenot High School’s graduation in Monroe Park last month. Two people were killed and five others were wounded. The Care & Safety Plan was presented this week during the board’s regular meeting.
Average White Band headlines this year’s 2nd Street Festival
Beloved festival celebrates 35 years in Historic Jackson Ward
The 2nd Street Festival will marks its 35th anniversary when it returns Oct. 7-8 to historic Jackson Ward.
Librarian of Virginia announces retirement plans
Search begins for her successor
The Library of Virginia Board will embark on a national search for the 10th librarian of Virginia after Sandra Gioia Treadway announced her intent to retire by the end of the calendar year. Dr. Treadway has spent 45 years with the agency.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:
Many African-American SBC churches have women pastors on staff
Will they be expelled next?
Earlier this year, Southern Baptists expelled five churches from the nation’s largest Protestant denomination for having women as pastors. Now, the leader of a fellowship of African-American Southern Baptist pastors wonders if their churches will be next.
Thursday, July 6
The aftermath of mass shootings infiltrates every corner of survivors’ lives
More than a year after 11-year-old Mayah Zamora was airlifted out of Uvalde, Texas, where she was critically injured in the Robb Elementary school shooting that killed 19 children and two teachers, the family is still reeling.
‘Our country has never been colorblind’, by Dr. E. Faye Williams
Elections always have consequences and this week we experienced Part Two of the Pro-Republican/Pro-Conservative Supreme Court. When we connect the dots, we realize the connection between Donald Trump and three of the six justices who voted to terminate Rowe AND eliminate affirmative action in college admissions.
Holistic approach an alternative to affirmative action, by Clarence Page
Reading about the Supreme Court’s unsurprising affirmative action ruling, I was reminded of Sen. Hubert Humphrey’s defense of the landmark 1964 Civil Rights Act.
Color struck court
For many of us, the joys of summer involve spending time in our gardens, toiling intently until a chorus of red, white, blue or purple flora reveal a luminous rainbow to be admired by anyone in sight. Yet, too often, the tranquility of such artistry is shaken by a sudden sting or bite from other earthly inhabitants known as mosquitoes, hornets and snakes. Once attacked, we may recoil from spending so much time outside, reminded that although humans need many of those unwieldy creatures for survival, their venom can be deadly. Which leads us to compare our multi-legged and winged outdoor companions to our far right two-legged friends who spend much of their time sitting inside the U.S. Supreme Court.
City residents’ utility bills increase
Effective with the July bills, Richmond residents will be charged at least $8.70 more per month for public utilities, including water, sewer service, natural gas and stormwater controls.
JWC Foundation announces academy for Black entrepreneurs
The JWC Foundation, home of the Jackson Ward Collective and BLCK Street Conference, will launch its 3rd Cohort for the Community Business Academy, a 12-week course featuring hands-on training to teach business fundamentals.
Girls For A Change launches ambassador program at Meadowbrook High School
Girls For A Change will launch its Girl Ambassador Program, a four-year, tiered approach to workforce development, at Meadowbrook High School.
RHHD offers immunizations, physicals
Families in Richmond and Henrico County are encouraged to take advantage of free school-required immunizations and physicals throughout the summer, courtesy of the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts.
General Assembly likely to have record number of Black members
Now that primary results are in, the battle for control of the legislature begins in earnest ahead of the Nov. 7 general election.
Virginia colleges pivot post-affirmative action decision
Colleges and universities in Virginia are adjusting in the wake of a supreme Court decision last week that ended affirmative action in higher education.
Richmond casino gets boost
Richmond advocates for a casino gained a boost when talks between house and senate negotiators over an amended state budget collapsed last week, although public school and mental health advocates were left disappointed.
City residents’ delinquent taxes pile up
Thousands of Richmond residents are ignoring City Hall tax bills on cars, trucks, boats, trailer homes, recreational vehicles and other such personal property.
Virginia Folklife event presents Afro-Puerto Rican band Kadencia
Kadencia, a play on the word “cadence” in Spanish, is an 11-member band led by father-son duo Maurice Sanabria-Ortiz and Maurice “Tito” Sanabria, 43.
Weathering the storm
Lady Tomahawk’s promising start fizzles in weekend downpour
The RVA Lady Tomahawks were rolling along and enjoying a football season of mostly sunshine and blue skies. And then the storm hit, literally and figuratively.
Faith and fate of affirmative action
It’s a different colorblindness than the one envisioned in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to reject the race-conscious admissions programs at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina comes in a year of 60th anniversaries in American civil rights history.
Personality: Joye B. Moore
2023 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for the Mid-Atlantic Region 2023 winner for Best Peach Pie in the Country by American Pie Council
Joye B. Moore’s recipe for sweet potato pie was handed down from the women in her family going back to her great-great-great grandmother, Susan Mae Howell.
RRHA approves developer’s plans for Jackson Ward hotel
$35M project among largest awarded to a Black-owned firm
Michael A. “Mike” Hopkins is on track to achieve his 20-year-old dream of developing a hotel in Richmond.
Chaos and violence
Mass shootings claim lives at gatherings over July Fourth holiday
Mass shootings broke out at festivals, block parties and other gatherings in a handful of cities this week as the U.S. celebrated the Fourth of July. Gun violence that flared in Washington, D.C, Louisiana, Florida, Philadelphia, Texas and Baltimore left more than a dozen dead and almost 60 wounded — including children as young as 2 years old.
HU’s Godwin and Garvin heading to Harlem’s HBCU classic
Hampton University will be well represented at the HBCU All-Star Dream Classic Aug. 5 at the famed Rucker Park in Harlem.
Grammys CEO: ‘Music that contains AI-created elements is eligible. Period.’
Last month, the Recording Academy announced a series of changes to the Grammy Awards to better reflect an evolving music industry. Of those newly instituted guidelines, protocols involving technological advancements in machine learning sparked headlines: “Only human creators” could win the music industry’s highest honor in a decision aimed at the use of artificial intelligence in popular music.
German goes from zero to hero
The New York Yankees’ Domingo German was a somewhat ordinary big league pitcher until June 28, when ordinary turned into extraordinary.
Griner to play in WNBA All Star Game
Brittney Griner has picked up right where she left off in 2021.
VUU Athletic Hall of Fame announces 2023 inductees
Soon it will be time to dust off the old scrapbook at Virginia Union University. Reliving past greatness will be the theme Sept. 22 when Virginia Union University celebrates its Hall of Fame Class for 2023.
Throwback
VCU basketball alums to compete for $1M in tournament
An impressive group of former VCU basketball players will be slipping back into black ‘n’ gold uniforms later this month.
