
ROUNDUP
Virginia’s public health operations will receive a boost across the next five years, courtesy of a $67.5 million grant from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

‘Your truth, your passion’
Rabia Kamara, a Virginia Commonwealth University alumna, was the university’s commencement speaker Saturday, Dec. 10, at VCU’s Stuart C. Siegel Center.

Honoring our heroes
Headstones and grave markers for 80 Black military service members were cleaned, installed and recognized by 300 volunteers at Woodland Cemetery, Saturday, Dec. 10.

Students turn to TikTok to fill gaps in school lessons
Mecca Patterson-Guridy wants to learn, but for some subjects, she isn’t always comfortable asking her teachers. So she has been turning to TikTok.

Distortion
Just a few weeks ago, Republican Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin and Jillian Balow, superintendent of public instruction, were publicly scolded for allegedly trying to distort the history to be taught to public school students.

No endorsements and no Joe
The United States Congress will soon have a new elected representative from Virginia’s 4th Congressional District that has, according to the U.S. Census, 789,815 residents, 51.4 percent female, 48.6 percent male.

Sen. Warnock’s victory a win for America, by Ben Jealous
If you haven’t watched Sen. Raphael Warnock’s speech on the night of his re-election in Georgia on Dec. 6, stop everything you’re doing, and watch it now. Then tell your kids to watch it. And your neighbors.

Justice for Donovon Lynch
The members of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus want to reaffirm that justice must be done for Donovon Lynch — who should still be alive today. Donovon was tragically shot and killed by a Virginia Beach police officer nearly two years ago.

A personal memory speaks to the character of A. Donald McEachin
In the fall of 1996, I, along with LaWanda Lochart, Ermajean Booker and Sara Arthur, were facilitators of the “Law Related Education” program of the Richmond Juvenile Court, an eight-session course for at-risk youths, the successfull attendance of which helped them mitigate any court issues they faced. I found my notes, and I was moderator of session six titled “Constitutional Rights” on Nov. 5, for which I solicited A. Donald McEachin to be “discussion leader” since his law firm had represented youth who were accused of stealing the shirts they were wearing and made to leave the store shirtless, the shirt or shirts only returned grudgingly upon proof of prior purchase as reported in the local press. I thought, what a great advocate for how the court can be your friend.

LA racism scandal prompts new round of City Council protests
The City Council was disrupted Tuesday by another round of boisterous, foul-mouthed protests after a councilman facing widespread calls to resign for his involvement in a racism scandal defiantly returned to the chamber and took his seat.

Oregon governor commutes all 17 of state’s death sentences
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown announced Tuesday that she is commuting the sentences of all of the state’s 17 inmates awaiting execution, saying their death sentences will be changed to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The Jordan Trophy: NBA rebrands, redesigns its MVP award
Michael Jordan was moments away from hoisting his third of what would become five NBA Most Valuable Player awards, and then-Commissioner David Stern greeted him at the mid-court ceremony with words that were both simple and profound.

Iconic West End gym courts Christo Rey’s hoop dreams
One of the area’s oldest and most historic gymnasiums has a new tenant that’s excited about branding a reputation of its own.

Dems must dance with young people, by Jesse L. Jackson Sr.
“Dance with the one that brung you,” goes the old saying.

Coaches for Change Community Classic Dec.19
The basketball pairings are set for the second annual Coaches for Change Community Classic.

Hall of Fame names baseball’s Fred McGriff
It’s official. Fred McGriff is headed to Baseball’s Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.

Heisman’s hit list
Caleb Williams is latest quarterback to earn revered trophy
It may be time for the Heisman Trophy — college football’s top individual honor — to consider changing its title to “Quarterback of the Year.”

Johnnie Walton joins Black College Hall of Fame
Johnnie Walton, the first African-American quarterback to lead his team to a professional championship, is part of the Black College Hall of Fame Class of 2023.

Paul Silas, 3-time NBA champion, longtime coach, dies
Paul Silas, who went head to head in the paint against the likes of Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell, has died at age 79.