The role of Blackness in the Hamline Islamic art controversy
We’ve heard little about the students who initiated the complaint and why they objected to a painting of the prophet.
In early October, Erika López Prater, a professor at Hamline University in Minnesota, showed her online Islamic art history class an image of the Prophet Muhammad. A Muslim student in the class complained, citing Islamic tradition barring representations of the prophet. Other students joined in to express their view that this incident was part of a larger problem of Islamophobia on campus. The administration agreed, and eventually Ms. López Prater’s contract to teach during the spring semester was rescinded.
Gates Foundation takes up question of its own power
Does The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have too much power and influence?
Orange County celebrates culinary icon Edna Lewis
Virginia approves marker honoring former New York chef
For some, the name Edna Lewis is synonymous with Southern food. The chef and cookbook author often is referred to as “Grand Dame of Southern cooking.”
Community Leaders Celebration honors memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
More than 800 people, including Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Virginia Union President Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, Mayor Levar M. Stoney, members of the Virginia General Assembly, Richmond City Council, educators, corporate and nonprofit leaders and community advocates, joined a joyous 45th Annual Community Leaders Celebration on Jan. 13 at the Richmond Marriott.
Reggie White, a college football 2-time All-American, dies
One of main reasons why the University of Southern California came to be known as “Tailback U” was Charles White, who played the position with strength, speed and passion.
Ohio fall classic taps Morehouse, VUU
Virginia Union University and Morehouse College will be in the college football spotlight Sept. 3 in Canton, Ohio.
VUU, VSU players heading to Legacy Bowl
Virginia Union’s Jahkari Grant and Virginia State’s Darius Hagans are making travel plans for New Orleans.
It’s showtime at Robins Stadium!
UR adds HBCU opponents
The University of Richmond will play four HBCUs next football season, including three at Robins Stadium.
NFL continues Black coaches blackout
Due to the NFL’s “Rooney Rule,” mandating minority opportunity, Black candidates are always interviewed for head coaching jobs. Rarely are they hired.
UVa has produced 8 current NBA players, but who’s counting?
Despite its continued success, some basketball fans complain about the University of Virginia’s slow, methodical style of play. Never mind the fans. The NBA has no problem with coach Tony Bennett’s strategy.
Film helps renew search for 1st Black Navy pilot’s remains
The film “Devotion” re-ignited efforts to repatriate the remains of Jesse LeRoy Brown, America’s first Black Navy pilot, who died in 1950 after having to crash land his damaged plane during the Korean War.
To honor Dr. King, demand expanded voting access, by Nick Bates
As a deacon in the Evangelical Lutheran Church and the director of Hunger Network Ohio, I believe we all have a moral obligation to make sure more people’s voices are heard in our democracy, not fewer.
Is Hakeem Jeffries the next Obama? Don’t rush him, by Clarence Page
No, New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries does not want to be the next Barack Obama, although sometimes it seems as if everyone is asking.
Just resign, Joe
On the front page of this week’s Free Press, Myrna Morrissey, 26, says that she left her husband, Virginia Sen. Joe Morrissey, 65, in 2019 after three years of marriage.
Grant funds to benefit babies, ex-inmates and low-wealth families
City Hall is planning to provide $115,000 to help low-income families gain baby supplies under ordinances that City Council is scheduled to approve next Monday, Jan. 23.
GRTC names new CEO
Sheryl Adams, who has been interim chief executive officer of GRTC since September, is now the company’s new leader.
Jury awards soldier less than $4000 in federal suit over traffic stop
A federal jury in Virginia on Tuesday found mostly in favor of two police officers who were sued by a U.S. Army lieutenant after he was pepper-sprayed, struck and handcuffed during a traffic stop.
Youngkin calls for legislation for notification on school awards
In response to widening concerns about how some Northern Virginia school districts handled recognizing student achievements on a standardized test, Gov. Glenn Youngkin called Wednesday for legislation to require student and parental notification about certain scholastic awards.
VCU names new School of Medicine dean
Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Medicine will have a new dean as of April 15.
