Report exposes racial disparities in workplace safety
The AFL-CIO, a coalition representing 12.5 million workers across various unions, has released its 33rd annual report, “Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect,” uncovering troubling racial disparities in workplace safety. The report’s findings, based on the most recent data available, underscore the urgent need for policymakers, regulatory bodies, and employers to confront the disproportionate rates of fatalities, injuries and illnesses faced by workers of color.
Personality: Joanna Suzanne Lee
Spotlight on City of Richmond’s Poet Laureate 2024-26
Joanna Suzanne Lee has been writing poetry since elementary school. Some of Ms. Lee’s schoolteachers encouraged her to write and think creatively, but it all started with her mom.
Chesterfield recognizes 2024 Community Champions
Six different individuals and groups were recognized recently by the Board of Supervisors as recipients of 2024 Chesterfield Community Champions awards.
Group to meet to preserve city’s first black hospital
A growing group of community members is trying to save the shuttered historic Richmond Community Hospital, Richmond’s first Black hospital.
The governor’s good choice
Last week, we reported that Gov. Glenn Youngkin had tapped beverage industry veteran Dale Farino as the new chief executive officer of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC).
Welcome Pharrell
Filming has begun on a biopic of producer and Virginia native Pharrell Williams, with a shoot happening at Henrico’s Seven Gables Apartments recently.
Hi, my name is ..
Longtime reader, first time managing editor — of the Richmond Free Press. I’m Craig Belcher.
Is Chicago ready for the next Democratic convention?, by Clarence Page
When a friend reminded me that it’s almost time for the Democratic National Convention, I wanted to say, “That’s OK, I’m good with the last one.”
AIPAC’s role in the war between Israel and Palestine, by Julianne Malveaux
Let me begin with the obligatory statements. What happened on Oct. 7, 2023, was horrible.
Labor union says it’s filing FOIA suit over secretive Petersburg casino process Unite Here says public notice for April 24 meeting was inadequate
Unite Here says public notice for April 24 meeting was inadequate
A hospitality workers union trying to ensure Petersburg picks a labor-friendly developer for its planned casino says it will sue the city over alleged transparency violations after the City Council appeared to make major decisions on the casino project behind closed doors.
Washington’s Heisman winner history continues with Daniels
The Washington Commanders are now two deep in Heisman Trophy winners at the quarterback position. With the second selection of the April 25 NFL Draft, the Commanders chose Heisman winner Jayden Daniels out of LSU.
Smith boards Pirates’ ship
Putting together a winning basketball program is like solving a puzzle. With that thought, newly named Hampton University coach Ivan Thomas is adding two new pieces — sophomore transfers Trevor Smith and Etienne Strothers.
U.S. Soccer boasts diverse roster
After some struggles, the United States Women’s National Team is showing signs of returning to its past glory. The team representing the stars and stripes in Paris includes eight women of color, including Trinity Rodman, daughter of former basketball star Dennis Rodman.
French star Alexandre Saar on NBA teams’ radar
Last year it was Frenchman Victor Wembanyama who burst onto the NBA scene. This time it’s Alexandre Saar, a 7-foot-1 native of Bordeaux, who has the pro scouts buzzing.
Asian Festival returns to Convention Center
Event celebrates Asian culture
The Greater Richmond Convention Center hosts the 26th Annual Asian American Celebration on May 4, showcasing the cultural richness and diversity of over 15 Asian communities in Central Virginia.
New exhibition honors legacy of Rosenwald School program
In 1911, Booker T. Washington met Julius Rosenwald. This meeting between the leading Black educator in America and the president of the world’s largest department store—Sears, Roebuck and Company—would be the foundation of the Rosenwald Schools. The institutions transformed education for hundreds of thousands of Black children in the segregated South.
Norfolk native conducts RSO
On May 4, Norfolk native and guest conductor Anthony Parnther leads the Richmond Symphony at the Carpenter Theatre for a night of classical music performances.
Iron Blossom Music Festival returns
Tickets for the second annual Iron Blossom Music Festival go on sale this week.
Richmond’s evolving restaurant scene sprawls out to the suburbs
The owner of Tarrant’s Cafe in Downtown Richmond is a 20-year veteran of the city’s food scene. She started out waiting tables – now she owns four Richmond area restaurants and is the CEO of RVA Hospitality.
Personality: Rhonda Keyes Pleasants
Spotlight on chair of Family Representative Council of East Marshall Street Well Project
Rhonda Keyes Pleasants entered the funeral industry in 1996 and became a fully licensed funeral director and embalmer in December 2000.
