Thursday, December 19
Small business markets, bazaars to shop this holiday season
Looking to find unique, thoughtful gifts for loved ones while supporting small businesses this holiday season?
CIAA board selects Davis for Jimmy Jenkins Legacy Award
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Board of Directors has selected Peggy Davis as the posthumous recipient of the 2025 Jimmy Jenkins Legacy Award. The award recognizes individuals who create environments that promote athletic and academic excellence through educational opportunities, community engagement and a focus on the personal growth, mental wellness and development of student-athletes.
Brooks among finalists for Black College Football Hall of Fame induction
The Black College Football Hall of Fame has announced 27 finalists for induction into its Class of 2025, selecting the group from over 150 nominees. Among the finalists is Larry Brooks, a standout defensive tackle from Virginia State University, who had an illustrious NFL career with the Los Angeles Rams.
VUU to pilot teacher residency program with federal grant support
Virginia Union University has received a $230,000 portion of a $2.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Teacher Quality Partnership program to establish a Teacher Residency program. The funding, in collaboration with Virginia Commonwealth University, will support the development of innovative teacher internships and residency programs over the next three years.
Richmond, Henrico honor top educators McCray and Suders
Two local educators are being recognized for their exceptional contributions to students and school communities. Rebecca McCray, a reading interventionist at Oak Grove-Bellemeade Elementary School, has been honored as Richmond Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year, while Christine Suders, an English teacher at Hermitage High School, has been named Henrico County Public Schools 2025 Teacher of the Year.
New leadership team elected for Richmond Crusade for Voters
The Richmond Crusade for Voters announced its elected officers for the 2025-2026 term during its November meeting.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending Saturday, Dec. 14, COVID-19 accounted for .8% of all emergency department visits in Virginia, with overall respiratory illness levels moderate and stable compared to previous data. No deaths associated with COVID-19 were reported within that period at time of publication. COVID-19 wastewater levels for Richmond and Henrico County were below detection as of the most recent sample collection week on Sunday, Dec. 8.
Jones launches re-election campaign
State Delegate Michael Jones announced his bid for re-election Tuesday. The former Richmond City Council member and council president hopes to retain the seat he won in 2023, when he ran unopposed in the redrawn 77th District.
Rise Richmond appoints Brittany Lopes as executive director
Rise Richmond has appointed Brittany Lopes as the organization’s new executive director.
Michael Vick hired as Norfolk State's coach
Michael Vick has agreed to become the head coach at Norfolk State University in a return to football for the former NFL star who has never coached at any level.
Drums, dance, and community unity take center stage at Kwanzaa
Drums will echo and vibrant traditions will take center stage as the Richmond Kwanzaa Kollective hosts its 18th Annual Kwanzaa Afrikan Heritage Celebration on Dec. 27 at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, 1000 Mosby St.
Jackson State crowned HBCU national champions
Jackson State University has been crowned the 2024 HBCU national football champions, following their dominant 31-16 win over South Carolina State in the Celebration Bowl. This marks the Tigers’ first HBCU national title since 1986, when American Urban Radio Networks named them champions.
Vaccines protect your children and others, too, by Roger Chesley
Parents in Virginia who don’t vaccinate their young children, a percentage that’s grown over the past decade, are making a risky bet with their kids’ health – and maybe even their lives.
Kash Patel and his ‘bureau of intimidation’, by Clarence Page
When Merriam-Webster chose “polarization” as the word of the year for 2024, the timing was dramatic for many of us who make our living through words.
Finding common ground around the holiday dinner table, by Ben Jealous
The holidays are a time for coming together. We should not just be coming together physically to drive us further apart mentally, emotionally and spiritually by reinforcing our differences.
Passing opportunity
Second acts are hard to come by for African Americans. While it seems some white people are allowed to fail and fall repeatedly before securing a shot at redemption, it doesn’t work that way for everyone. Virginia native and former NFL quarterback Michael Vick is an exception to that rule.
Swansboro Elementary holds financial literacy night for parents, students
Dorisa Sanderson, a math instructional coach for Swansboro Elementary School, acted as a salesperson for the school’s first financial literacy workshop last Thursday evening to teach students critical thinking skills when spending money and basic math skills.
State leaders push bold plan for better maternal care across Virginia
State legislators announced plans to improve maternal health and care across Virginia during a Monday press conference, highlighting key elements of the “Virginia Momnibus” legislative package ahead of the upcoming General Assembly session.
Youngkin serving up tax relief for tipped workers with new plan
Gov. Glenn Youngkin visited McLean’s Restaurant in Scott’s Addition on Monday where he donned an apron and served breakfast after announcing a budget proposal that would eliminate state income taxes on cash and electronic tips. If passed, Virginia would become the first state in the nation to implement such a policy.
Family of W.I. Johnson celebrates street renaming honoring late mortician
The life of a man who served Richmond’s Black community in times of death will be memorialized Friday, as the city of Richmond will honor mortician William Isaac Johnson Sr. with a street renaming in the 100 block of W. Leigh Street.
Analysis: Risky onside kick highlights NFL’s ‘dead play’ dilemma
The NFL was already planning to explore the onside kick before Dan Campbell made a regrettable decision to try one at an unusual time.
‘Threads of Humanity’ explores homelessness through art at museum
Liberated Arts Foundation is presenting a pop-up exhibition highlighting the stories of homelessness with contemporary artwork at the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia.
Personality: Nakeina E. Douglas-Glenn
Spotlight on the board chair of Health Brigade
As a proud alumnus, Nakeina E. Douglas-Glenn exemplifies Virginia Tech’s motto, “That I May Serve,” through her career and community service. She is deeply committed to making a positive impact for the betterment of her community.
Black church coalition names reparations, voting, health equity among priorities
The Conference of National Black Churches has called on African American congregations to embrace a list of priorities — from “government-sponsored reparations” to improved access to health care — as they move out of a pandemic era and into an election year.
Man sues city of Memphis and police officers for wrongful conviction in music club robbery
A man who spent more than 20 years behind bars before he was exonerated of robbing a Memphis music club is suing the city and 10 police officers, alleging they made up evidence that led to his wrongful conviction and lengthy prison sentence.
Corrections ombudsman to prioritize Red Onion prison probe
Mistreatment allegations spark investigation into supermax facility
Virginia’s top investigatory body is turning its attention to Red Onion State Prison following alarming reports of self-harm and poor conditions at the supermax facility in Wise County.
Thursday, December 12
Virginia Union’s historic season ends with loss to Valdosta State
Virginia Union University’s football team saw its record-breaking season come to an end Saturday, Dec. 7, with a 49-14 loss to top-ranked Valdosta State in the NCAA Division II National Quarterfinals in Valdosta, Ga.
Joyner-Kersee to headline RVA Sports Awards
Legendary Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee will headline the RVA Sports Awards on Feb. 8, bringing star power to the annual celebration of Richmond area athletic achievements.
Maxie Awards honor Richmond’s student-athletes
Richmond’s student-athletes stepped into the spotlight at the Robinson Theater Community Arts Center on Dec. 4 at the 2nd Annual Maxie Awards Banquet. The event honored the city’s best players and coaches, blending pride, celebration and community spirit.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending Saturday, Dec. 7, COVID-19 accounted for .6% of all emergency department visits in Virginia, with overall respiratory illness moderate and trending up compared to previous data. No deaths associated with COVID-19 were reported within that period at time of publication. COVID-19 wastewater levels for Richmond and Henrico County were below detection as of the most recent sample collection week on Sunday, Dec. 1.
Farid Alan Schintzius, activist, dies at 76
Richmond activist Farid Alan Schintzius died Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy of local advocacy and community engagement. Schintzius’ family confirmed his death on a social media post.
McQuinn announces re-election campaign for House of Delegates
Delegate Delores L. McQuinn, D-Henrico, officially launched her re-election campaign Tuesday afternoon at Trevor’s Grill and Tavern in Henrico.
RVA Community Fridges stay cool with help after vandalism
Taylor Scott founded RVA Community Fridges nearly four years ago, inspired by similar mutual aid initiatives in California and New Orleans.
Movieland theater to undergo multimillion-dollar renovation
Movieland at Boulevard Square, Richmond’s only first-run movie theater within the city limits, is undergoing its most significant renovation since opening in 2009. The multimillion-dollar project will enhance the movie-going experience with new features and upgraded amenities.
GardenFest of Lights tops USA Today’s ranking with holiday display
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden has again topped USA Today’s ranking of botanical garden holiday light displays, drawing national recognition for its elaborate nighttime spectacle.
Barkley inches closer to NFL single-season rushing crown
Saquon Barkley knew the Eagles season rushing record could be his on Sunday with the type of stellar performance that has become the standard during his first season in Philadelphia.
Hildreth ‘Hal’ Walker Jr., laser scientist, dies at 91
Hildreth “Hal” Walker Jr., a pioneering laser scientist and dedicated STEM advocate, died Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, at 91 in Cape Town, South Africa.
VUU’s probation status extended
Virginia Union University’s probation status will continue into 2025. VUU leadership announced the decision in a letter to the college’s community Tuesday, with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges allowing VUU to remain accredited by extending the status into the coming year.
Former President Obama highlights megachurches and bridge-building at forum
Former President Barack Obama at a Dec. 5 forum on democracy pointed to the partnership of houses of worship and the success of megachurches as examples of ways to build bridges and foster pluralism.
Personality: Gary L. Flowers
Spotlight on the president of Theban Club of Richmond
Gary L. Flowers, an African American history enthusiast, has devoted over 35 years to civil rights law and activism. He’s worked alongside notable African American trailblazers such as the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson and former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder and continues to battle the suppression and inequities Black people face today.
TikTok asks federal appeals court to bar enforcement of potential ban
TikTok asked a federal appeals court on Monday to bar the Biden administration from enforcing a law that could lead to a ban on the popular platform until the Supreme Court reviews its challenge to the statute. The legal filing was made after a panel of three judges on the same court sided with the government last week and ruled that the law, which requires TikTok’s China-based parent company ByteDance to divest its stakes in the social media company or face a ban, was constitutional. If the law is not overturned, both TikTok and its parent ByteDance, which is also a plaintiff in the case, have claimed that the popular app will shut down by Jan. 19, 2025. TikTok has more than 170 million American users who would be affected, the companies have said. In their legal filing on Monday, attorneys for the two companies wrote that even if a shutdown lasted one month, it would cause TikTok to lose about a third of its daily users in the U.S. The company also would lose 29% of its total “targeted global” advertising revenue for next year as well as talent since current and prospective employees would look elsewhere for jobs, they wrote. “Before that happens, the Supreme Court should have an opportunity, as the only court with appellate jurisdiction over this action, to decide whether to review this exceptionally important case,” the filing said. It’s not clear if the Supreme Court will take up the case. But some legal experts have said the justices are likely to weigh in on the case since it raises novel issues about social media platforms and how far the government could go in its stated aims of protecting na- tional security. President-elect Donald Trump, who tried to ban TikTok the last time he was in the White House, has said he is now against such action. In their legal filing, the two companies pointed to the political realities, saying that an injunction would provide a “modest delay” that would give the incoming Administration time to determine its position — which could moot both the impending harms and the need for Supreme Court review.” Attorneys for the two companies are asking the appeals court to decide on the request for an
Kwanzaa festival celebrates African American culture
The Elegba Folklore Society will host its annual Capital City Kwanzaa Festival on Dec. 28, offering a daylong celebration of African American culture and heritage.
Nikki Giovanni, poet and literary giant, dies at 81
Nikki Giovanni, the poet, author, educator and public speaker who went from borrowing money to release her first book to spending decades as a literary celebrity who shared blunt and conversational takes on everything from racism and love to space travel and mortality, has died. She was 81.
Chisholm posthumously awarded Congressional Gold Medal
On Monday, U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) attended the signing of the Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act at the U.S. Capitol. This bipartisan legislation posthumously awards the Congressional Gold Medal to Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress, in recognition of her groundbreaking contributions to politics, activism and civil rights.
Council celebrates achievements, prepares for new leadership
Richmond City Council’s final meeting of the year was an emotional one, as members reflected on past achievements and looked ahead to the future. Outgoing council members Andreas Addison, Ann-Frances Lambert and Kristen Nye were honored for their service, marking a poignant moment in the city’s leadership transition.
Legislators push for solutions to Virginia’s child care crisis
State legislators from both parties gathered Monday at the General Assembly Building to launch the 2025 “Gotta Have Child Care” campaign, a bipartisan effort to address the growing gap in funding for affordable child care in Virginia.
Panel to grapple with racial history of state colleges, universities
For decades, Virginia’s public colleges and universities expanded campuses to accommodate growing student populations – often at the expense of Black communities.
Where police are being investigated for excessive force, discrimination and other allegations
A U.S. Justice Department investigation into the Memphis Police Department after the beating death of Tyre Nichols found a pattern of unlawful use of excessive force and discrimination against the Black residents of the majority-Black city in Tennessee.
W.E.B. Du Bois found inspiration and hope in national parks, by Thomas S. Bremer
In his collection of essays and poems published in 1920 titled “Darkwater,” W.E.B. Du Bois wrote about his poignant encounter with the beauty of the Grand Canyon, the stupendous chasm in Arizona.
Why didn’t Biden keep his promise?, by Clarence Page
Just once. Just once amid all the times that reporters asked President Biden whether he would give a pardon to his son, Hunter, who was facing a possible federal prison sentence, I wish I could have heard jolly Joe give the sort of response that the late Chicago Mayor Rich- ard J. Daley offered to such unwelcome questions.
How faith calls us to tackle the climate crisis, by Ben Jealous
Reflections on God are common right now. We are about to enter a new year. Many of us are getting ready to celebrate Christmas or Hanukah. With 2024 “virtually certain” to be the hottest year on record, some may look at the symptoms of the climate crisis – the extreme heat, the fires and floods, the climate-charged cyclones - as signs of God’s wrath.
Insuring distrust
Once in a while, there comes a crisis or current event that lets us know how many Americans feel about a particular issue.
Monday, December 9
Activist Farid Alan Schintzius Dies at 76
Richmond activist and community leader Farid Alan Schintzius died Thursday, Dec. 5 at the age of 76.
Thursday, December 5
VUU Gospel Choir performs on BET’s ‘HBCU Honors’
Virginia Union University’s Gospel Choir performed with Grammy-winning artist Fantasia and hip-hop legend MC Lyte at the HBCU Honors, a celebration of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The performance, led by VUU Gospel Choir Director Joel T. Lester, and airing on BET on Dec. 1, marked a milestone for the choir.
“Up the Ridge” screening to highlight Red Onion prison issues
The Virginia Defenders for Freedom, Justice & Equality will host a public meeting on Saturday, Dec. 7, to examine issues at Red Onion State Prison, a supermax facility in Virginia. The event, titled “Crisis at Red Onion Supermax: How You Can Help!” will take place at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 1720 Mechanicsville Turnpike in Richmond’s East End.
MMA Legends host fight night in Richmond
UFC icons Anthony “Showtime” Pettis and Kamaru Usman are set to host “APFC 15: Virginia Fight Night III,” an evening of mixed martial arts at the Greater Richmond Convention Center on Sunday, Dec. 8. Doors open at 2 p.m., with fights scheduled from 2:30 to 9 p.m., delivering non-stop action for fans of all ages.
River City Sportsplex expands with four new fields
The River City Sportsplex just got bigger and better. Last week, the complex unveiled four additional lighted turf fields, pushing its total to an impressive 16 fields.
Virginia Union makes history, advances to NCAA quarterfinals
Virginia Union University’s record-setting football season continued with a decisive 44-12 victory over Lenoir-Rhyne University on Saturday in the NCAA Division II Playoffs second round.
UR’s Grant named finalist for Buck Buchanan Award
University of Richmond defensive end Jeremiah Grant has been named among the nation’s top defensive players as a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this season, the award is presented yearly to the national defensive player of the year in Division I FCS college football.
Louis Gossett, Jr. championed justice beyond Hollywood, by Ben Jealous
It was my last year as national president of the NAACP, at the end of 2013 Image Awards. I was with my dear friend Louis Gossett, Jr., the actor and activist who won an Oscar for his role in the film “An Officer and a Gentleman.” Lou said to me, “You know, Ben, I’ve been in this racial justice movement my whole life, but you know, sometimes, brother, I feel like we’re fighting over who’s in first class. What we should be doing is looking out the window, because the plane has fallen like 20,000 feet in the last two minutes.”
Ranking progress
Recently, Chesterfield County officials witnessed the swearing in of the county’s first African American police chief, Lt. Colonel Frank Carpenter. For longtime observers of the county’s politics, this news would’ve seemed like science fiction a few decades ago. But here we are.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending Saturday, Nov. 30, COVID-19 accounted for .5% of all emergency department visits in Virginia, with overall respiratory illness low but trending up from previous data. No deaths associated with COVID-19 were reported within that period at time of publication. COVID-19 wastewater levels for Richmond and Henrico County were below detection as of the most recent sample collection week on Sunday, Nov. 17.
Annual Dominion Energy Christmas Parade returns
Richmond’s annual Dominion Energy Christmas Parade returns Dec. 7, celebrating its 41st year with the theme “Christmas Wishes.”
Leadership Metro Richmond seeks new president
Leadership Metro Richmond has launched a search for its next President and CEO, seeking a dynamic leader to advance its mission of fostering leadership and community connection in the greater Richmond region.
Personality: Eric D. Morris
Spotlight on the Board of Directors Co-Chair of Side by Side
Over the past 40 years, societal changes have brought greater acceptance and expanded legal protections for the LGBTQ+ community. Despite these advancements, members of the community continue to encounter significant challenges and discrimination.
Virginia War Memorial to Host 83rd Annual Pearl Harbor Day
Virginia War Memorial will host a solemn and reflective gathering to honor the lives lost during the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. The 83rd Commonwealth’s Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at the Memorial’s Shrine of Memory - 20th Century, located at 621 South Belvidere St.
Harden joins Curry as the only NBA players to reach 3,000 3-pointers
James Harden has joined Golden State’s Stephen Curry as the only NBA players to reach 3,000 career 3-pointers.
December leads as peak month for U.S. home fires
The holiday season’s decorations, festive meals, and traditions bring joy, but also heightened fire risks. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), December consistently sees a spike in home fires, with Christmas Day and Christmas Eve ranking as the second- and third-leading days for home cooking fires in 2022.
T.D. Jakes speaks to church via video week after health emergency
Bishop T.D. Jakes returned briefly via video to address his Dallas megachurch a week after experiencing a still-undisclosed medical incident that led to surgery.
“The buck stops here”
Richmond registrar resigns after misconduct report
Richmond General Registrar Keith Balmer resigned Wednesday following a report that cited 25 instances of abuse, fraud and waste by leadership and employees in the Richmond Office of Elections.
Renovations at John Marshall High School signal ongoing infrastructure needs
What was once a yard overrun with tall weeds and grass at John Marshall High School is now transformed with a new metal wall, clear glass windows and a courtyard for students to lunch and learn.
Second Baptist Church to feature David Esleck in Advent concert series
Second Baptist Church invites the community to Advent concert series featuring the works of David Esleck, a renowned composer celebrated for his contributions to jazz and classical music. The performances will showcase a mix of sacred and secular seasonal favorites in various styles including traditional big band, Dixieland, rock and R&B.
Privacy and pressure in the new world of tipping, by Sarah Hanson
Have you ever hesitated at the register, uncomfortable as an employee watched you choose a tip? It’s not just you.
Democrats have work to do to reclaim the mantle of change, by Clarence Page
“Democrats are like the Yankees,” said one of the most memorable tweets to come across on X after Election Day. “Spent hundreds of millions of dollars to lose the big series and no one got fired or was held accountable.”
The Department of Education under attack, by David W. Marshall
U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) recently introduced legislation to abolish the U.S. Department of Education in a not-surprising move since it was part of Project 2025. It also aligns directly with President-elect Donald Trump’s repeated pledge to dismantle the federal agency.
Pardon the noise
When it was announced on Sunday that, despite his promises not to, Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden, there was some outrage from the right.
Clothing company elevates style with a personal touch
What’s one more thing that can make television personality Stephen A. Smith raise his voice in praise? Apparently the work of local custom tailoring service Andre’ Julius.
Virginia mail service improves; second Trump push to privatize USPS ‘unlikely’
U.S. Postal Service operations have continued to improve, but a bipartisan coalition of state leaders say more work is needed to get the service to a level Virginians deserve.
Kaine, Spanberger join efforts to address drug shortages
Southside Virginia resident Wendy Oliver’s body might be frail amid her struggle with Lupus — an autoimmune disease that has rendered her disabled — but her spirit is strong as she and her husband navigate accessing her pain medication amid national drug shortages.
City Council approves funding for small business program, foundation for returning citizens
Richmond’s small businesses and a re-entry service for the formerly incarcerated were the focus of a special City Council meeting Monday afternoon, where members approved funding for a new grant program and the Help Me Help You Foundation.
RPS bids farewell to outgoing School Board Members
Richmond Public Schools Board Chairwoman Dawn Page, 8th District, teared up as family, community members and former school board colleagues congratulated her for her service at Monday night’s school board meeting.
Dept. of Corrections confirm inmates burned themselves: lawmakers want investigation
At least six incarcerated people have burned themselves at western Virginia’s Red Onion State Prison, the Virginia Department of Corrections confirmed Wednesday.
Shockoe Project continues to advance with new developments
Richmond officials and architects gathered Monday afternoon at Ancarrow’s Landing to celebrate and update the public on the latest developments in the multi-million-dollar Shockoe Project.
Monday, December 2
Christmas concert to bring harmony and hope to shelter animals
A new holiday album from Shockee Records is hitting all the right notes – and helping local animals in the process.
