Taxation not solution for Richmond Public Schools
Re Column “We must invest in ourselves,” Free Press March 28-30 edition: While I can agree with Dr. Ravi K. Perry’s assertion that the state of Richmond Public Schools reflects years of racist policies, I do not agree with his …
Gov. Wilder as mentor
I believe God places particular persons in my life to help me navigate through my journey. One of those persons is former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder.
Reject violence, affirm life
Words fail to express the depth of our sorrow at the horrific violence against the Muslim community at the Al Noor and Linwood Mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Remembrance and justice: Shockoe Bottom Memorial
Every week, a new story of some city, county or state’s decision to keep or remove a memento of the Confederacy captures our nation’s attention.
Vote out those who weakened school truancy law
Re “RPS attendance officers’ jobs on chopping block despite crucial need, service,” Free Press March 14-16 edition: It was unconscionable for members of the Richmond delegation to the General Assembly to vote to defang the truancy law.
Gaming the college admissions system and defunding K-12 public education
Re “Stand by your plan: Mayor Levar M. Stoney pushes his proposed tax hikes despite opposition and criticism” and “Fallout continues from college admissions scandal,” Free Press March 14-16 edition: The indictment of 50 people in a fraudulent scheme to …
No more taxes
Re “More taxes: Mayor Stoney proposes tax hikes on real estate, cigarettes and utility rates to generate more money for city needs,” Free Press March 7-9 edition: I see that Mayor Levar M. Stoney wants to raise more taxes in …
Women, the draft and equality
A federal judge in Texas ruled last month that the all-male draft in the United States is unconstitutional. For many decades, there have been divisions in our military — the 442nd Infantry Regiment of Japanese Americans, the African-American Tuskegee Airmen, …
Virginia, change and the ERA
People have said the Democrats have no central focus. I think we do — and that’s inclusion.
Due process for Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax
Speaking on behalf of thousands of voters who voted for Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax in 2017, we urge Mr. Fairfax not to resign.
Accountability, not disrespect
I could not help but notice the African-American politicians, religious and community leaders who have chosen to side with Gov. Ralph S. Northam. Either they have forgotten or just overlooked his nickname, “Coonman.” Of all the people they could have …
Dismantle racist systems and start anew
The culture of white supremacy is the foundation upon which this nation was built. It has dominated every system of power in this country for the past 400 years.
Blackface dehumanizes African-Americans
Gov. Ralph S. Northam’s past actions are inexcusable and his current behavior is awful. Explicit, intentional racism is condemned in much of America, but we’re still failing to eliminate implicit racism caused by ignorance, status quo and apathy. Regardless of …
Forgive and hold Gov. Northam accountable
In the current political challenges facing our Commonwealth, I was taken aback by comments and ideologies espoused by the Rev. Al Sharpton during a gathering at Virginia Union University. I vehemently disagree with Rev. Sharpton’s observations on forgiveness in this …
Background checks for elected officials
Where are we as Virginians and Americans that we can strip a man of his reputation, career, family and livelihood based on an accusation that has not been proven in a court of law?
