Best-selling author Dolen Perkins-Valdez headlines ‘Read Up Richmond’
The Richmond Public Library hosts its “Read Up Richmond” event 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, at the Main Library. The program features best-selling author Dolen Perkins-Valdez in conversation with historian Linda Janet Holmes.
Virginia NAACP names Melanie Campbell as speaker for annual convention
The Virginia NAACP announced that Melanie Campbell, president and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, will be the keynote speaker for the Freedom Fund Gala at its 89th Annual Convention in Williamsburg.
Damn x 3
Before James Evans, the African American matriarch of a poor family in Chicago, Black fathers on television were rarely seen. The few who did make it on screen were usually shiftless, lazy and not to be taken seriously. As portrayed by the late John Amos, James Evans didn’t check any of those boxes on “Good Times.” He worked a series of menial jobs, loved and protected his family and wasn’t afraid to fight for them. Evans was the type of character many Black families in the 1970s saw in their own homes or extended families, but this was the first time they saw this archetype presented in popular culture.
Staying in RVA
Some might say that it’s ironic that a mayor would introduce a multifaceted initiative called “Stay RVA” as he prepares to exit his elected office. But that’s when Mayor Levar M. Stoney decided to share his plan that aims to provide financial assistance to Richmond’s renters and homeowners. The mayor is correct in realizing that Richmond’s housing crisis will “stay” after he’s gone from City Hall.
Wright leads Virginia Union past Winston-Salem State 31-13
Mark Wright led Virginia Union University to a 31-13 victory over Winston-Salem State University on Saturday, Oct. 5, at Hovey Stadium.
River City Sting eyes 2025 season after championship run
Richmond’s River City Sting is gearing up for the 2025 season with high hopes after making three championship appearances in the last four years.
Florida A&M Rattlers hold top spot in Week 6 HBCU football media poll
The Florida A&M Rattlers continue to dominate the HBCU football landscape, maintaining their No. 1 ranking in the Week 6 BOXTOROW HBCU Media Poll. With a 3-2 record, the Rattlers received 13 first place votes and 193 points overall, solidifying their position at the top of the rankings.
Richmond National Battlefield Park to honor Black soldiers’ voting in 1864
Richmond National Battlefield Park will mark the anniversary of the 5th United States Colored Troops (USCT) voting in the 1864 presidential election with a special event on Saturday, Nov. 2. Titled Election Day 1864: Black Soldiers Vote on the Front Lines, the program will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fort Harrison Visitor Center, located at 8761 Battlefield Park Road. The event will feature ranger-led tours, living history demonstrations and hands-on educational activities.
Valentine Museum showcases painter Edmund Archer’s works
The Valentine Museum is presenting “Edmund Archer: Perspectives on Black Dignity,” featuring 10 works by the late artist Edmund Archer (1904-1986). Archer’s art is distinguished by its commitment to faithfully capturing the physical details of his subjects, challenging the prevailing stereotypes of the late Jim Crow era and offering a dignified representation of their humanity.
Richmond Tree Week focuses on urban forest restoration
Richmond is set to embrace nature during its fifth annual Richmond Tree Week, Oct. 11 through 20. With over 20 local organizations joining forces, the city will host 40 events dedicated to enhancing the urban forest. Attendees can expect a variety of activities, including volunteer tree plantings, free tree giveaways, workshops, and guided walking and biking tours.
Sports betting brings in tax money, more helpline calls
Football season has kicked off and stretches from September to February. The sport is forecast to bring in $35 billion in legal bets this season, according to the American Gaming Association.
Holiday closing Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2024
In observance of the Indigenous Peoples’ Day holiday on Monday, Oct. 14, please note the following:
Shot caller
Hey, Joe. We haven’t forgotten about you, our 46th president. There’s something I’d like to bring to your attention, I’m sure you have a little more time on your hands these days than you probably expected to a few months ago, so perhaps you can squeeze me in.
Vice Versus
Amid global and domestic crises, a calmer debate
In a debate that evoked a calmer era in American politics, Tim Walz and JD Vance on Tuesday went after each other’s running mates and sought to shore up their campaigns’ vulnerabilities at a time of renewed fears of a regional war in the Middle East and sadness over devastation from Hurricane Helene.
Former hospital worker charged with Irvo Otieno's death acquitted
A jury on Thursday acquitted the first defendant to stand trial in the death of Irvo Otieno, a who died in custody at a Virginia mental hospital last year
Harris’ appeal serves as a bridge between generations, by David W. Marshall
It is refreshing to see a leader like Vice President Kamala Harris who understands the generation gap we have in our nation. There always will be situations where older and younger people maintain different perspectives on life and the nation’s future based on their experiences, opinions, habits and behavior.
Personality: Amiri Jamil Daniel Richardson-Keys
Spotlight on the 2024 official 2nd Street Festival poster commissioned artist
Artist Amiri Jamil Daniel Richardson-Keys draws inspiration from the essence of the Black family, respecting and valuing their contribution to his art.
William “Bill” Lucy, pioneering labor leader, dies at 90
William “Bill” Lucy, a towering figure in the American labor movement and a champion for civil and human rights, died Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, at his home in Washington, D.C., at 90 years old.
Mayoral candidates tackle key issues during VPM forum
As early voting continues in Richmond, candidates for the Mayor’s Office took a more active role in answering questions and making their case to residents during a forum Tuesday evening hosted at VPM’s Chesterfield County studio.
Ensuring equal access to the ballot box is crucial for democracy, by Tom Barbour
As a former captain in the United States Marine Corps, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, a former prosecutor, and an advocate for public safety reform, I have dedicated my life to upholding the principles of justice and democracy. With just weeks away from Election Day 2024, and many participating in early voting, I am compelled to speak on an issue that is fundamental to our nation’s core: Defending democracy and upholding the integrity of our electoral process.
