Autopsy finds cause of death for Irvo Otieno was asphyxia
Irvo Otieno, a 28-year-old Black man whose death last month at a Virginia mental hospital has sparked outrage and led to second degree murder charges against 10 defendants, died of “positional and mechanical asphyxia with restraints,”’ a medical examiner’s office said Monday.
Affordable housing for whom?
Next week, City Council plans to declare an affordable housing crisis in Richmond as rents and house prices soar, leaving many with below average incomes unable to afford housing. However, neither the council nor Mayor Levar M. Stoney who has pushed the resolution to be voted on Monday, April 10, plan to mention the ways he and the governing body have quietly reduced funding to support development of housing for families with incomes of $40,000 or less a year.
From Senate subcommittee to Easter sermon: Raphael Warnock on life as a pastor-politician
Raphael Warnock, U.S. senator and Baptist pastor, was wrapping up his time on Capitol Hill before heading back to his native Georgia in time for what is perhaps the busiest week of the year for Christian clergy.
‘It’s been a long time coming’
VSU hopes its All-Steinway School designation will attract ‘high caliber’ piano players
After 20 years, more than $1 million, and nearly 40 pianos, Virginia State University has elevated its approach to music education. The university has replaced many of its old pianos with new instruments from the Steinway & Sons piano company.
Local entrepreneurs recognized at awards gala
In a “Roaring ‘20s” themed event, the Metropolitan Business League recognized area entrepreneurs at the 33rd Annual MBL Awards Dinner & Reception. Nearly 500 guests attended the March 10 affair at the Altria Theater.
Former record store owner remembered
William F. “Bill” Kennedy, founder and owner of BK Music, a record store in Richmond’s South Side, died Tuesday, March 14, 2023, after a bout with pneumonia. Mr. Kennedy, who was 70, had decades of experience in the music industry having worked for Harmony Hut and Peaches Music and Video before opening his own store in the Stratford Hills Shopping Center in 2001.
People to see, places to go!
Looking for something to do or new experiences in the weeks ahead? Here are just a few of the upcoming fun events and adventures:
James Solomon Russell Day celebrated with new documentary
Twenty-three years after the end of the Civil War, the Rev. James Solomon Russell founded Saint Paul Normal and Industrial School in Lawrenceville. He did so knowing how much the town and surrounding areas longed to educate its residents who longed to read and write.
NBA legend Willis Reed dies at age 80
He led the Knicks to titles in 1970 and 1973
Willis Reed, who belongs in any conversation about the greatest HBCU basketball players of all time, died Tuesday, March 21, 2023, of heart failure. The Grambling State and New York Knicks legend was 80.
NSU’s associate coach is one to watch
Jasmine Young is building an impressive résumé as an up- and-coming women’s basketball coach.
Justices’ court rulings continue - JM’s Dennis Parker Jr. named Player of the Year
Jaedyn Cook named to All-State first team
In what may be an unprecedented achievement, all five of John Marshall High’s starters were named to the Class 2, All-State first team.
Jennifer McClellan’s leadership skills in Virginia will be critical in Washington, by Reginald Stuart
When Richmond area voters elected former Virginia State Sen. Jennifer McClellan to Congress last month, the new federal responsibilities for the veteran state lawmaker were already on the agenda for the seasoned politician.
Conservative groups don’t speak for all moms, by Svante Myrick
As Women’s History Month comes to a close, I’ve been thinking about moms and honoring motherhood. I’ve written before about how my mom instilled values in me, including respect for everyone’s rights – not just my own. Mom also worked multiple jobs to support our family through some very hard times. She represents my ideal of what a mother should be, without a doubt.
A Black woman’s unequal cost of protesting, by Julianne Malveaux
The 45th president is in the news again, facing indictments in New York and Georgia for criminal behavior regarding illegally paying a porn star (New York) and election tampering (Georgia).
Youngkin spikes restoration of voting rights
The roughly 1,000 people a month released from Virginia prisons are no longer having their voting rights restored almost automatically.
The battle for parental rights and government oversight remains alive
Huguenot High School’s library functions as a type of escape from the pressures of student life, a place where students can come and “chill out,” as librarian Kevin Murray puts it. He doesn’t give out grades or assign homework, so it makes sense why so many students like spending their time there, a serene space away from the bustling halls of high school.
Black History Museum names new executive director
Shakia Gullette Warren will become the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia’s new executive director following an extensive national search. Her appointment is effective May 1.
2 Richmond principals recognized for leadership
Richmond Public Schools Principal Ta’Neshia Ford is the recipient of the 2023 R.E.B. Award for Distinguished Educational Leadership.
