Panthers’ Byers rushes for 105 yards but Hampton holds on
Virginia Union University running back Jada Byers rushed for 105 yards and two touch- downs, but Hampton University outlasted the Panthers 33-21 last Saturday. Hampton running back Elijah Burris was the difference-maker, breaking loose for 135 yards and two scores to lead the Pirates (1-1) to victory in front of 6,308 fans at Armstrong Stadium. “We played four quarters tonight,” said Hampton Coach Trent Boykin. “We played with a lot of energy and intensity. I was really proud of the way we played on both sides of the ball.” Burris, the second-leading rusher in the Coastal Athletic Association last season, was held to just 43 yards in Hamp- ton’s season opener against Morgan State. But the senior found his stride against Virginia Union (1-1), scoring two fourth- quarter touchdowns to seal the win for the Pirates. VUU quarterback RJ Ro- sales completed 3-of-6 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown, while Shamar Graham recorded a career-high 17 tackles, includ- ing 10 in the first quarter alone, for the Panthers. “We didn’t finish,” said VUU Coach Alvin Parker. “It’s something we teach our guys every day in practice, but today we just didn’t finish the game. You have to play four quarters, and we didn’t accomplish that today.” At halftime, Hampton hon- ored its 1994 and 2004 national championship football teams, both coached by the legendary Joe Taylor. Virginia Union (1-1) will have a bye week next weekend before traveling to Charlotte, N.C., to face Johnson C. Smith University on Sept. 21. Hamp- ton (1-1) will visit Norfolk State on Sept. 14.
Mayoral candidates announce forum and debate schedule
In a joint press release issued this week, the candidates for Richmond’s mayoral race announced a series of upcoming forums, town halls and debates, providing residents with numerous opportunities to hear directly from those vying for the city’s top office.
Flying Squirrels announce 2024 team awards
The Richmond Flying Squirrels held their annual team awards ceremony last Thursday night at The Diamond, celebrating standout performances from the 2024 season. Several players were recognized for their contributions both on and off the field.
National Baptist Convention elects new president amid controversy
After an unusual election that gave voters the choice on the ballot of a name or a “no,” members of the National Baptist Convention, USA, lined up behind a new president, the Rev. Boise Kimber, senior pastor of First Calvary Baptist Church in New Haven, Conn.
The long game
Let’s give it up for the Flying Squirrels organization. They’ve stuck by Richmond, even though the city didn’t seem to appreciate the team in the early days, as they were ridiculed for their unusual moniker.
Partnership for the Future awarded $375,000 grant
Partnership for the Future, a nonprofit organization focused on providing college access and success support to under-resourced high school students, recently received a $375,000 grant from the Richmond Memorial Health Foundation. The grant, which will be distributed over three years, will fund general operating expenses to support PFF’s programs.
A trap
On Tuesday evening, the two presidential candidates met for their first debate. It went as many expected. Vice President Kamala Harris used pointed and precise criticisms of her opponent to bait him.
Harris pushes for labor reforms, union support, by Julianne Malveaux
In an election year, Labor Day kicks off the official campaign season, and Vice President Kamala Harris kicked hers off with a bang.
Our nation’s symbols belong to all Americans, by Clarence Page
If you don’t tell a lie, my father used to say, you won’t have to worry about which version of your story you told last.
Will players and fans embrace safety over swag? by Noah Cohan
Fall brings football season in the U.S. and, with it, the parade of distinctively decorated helmets that the players wear.
Youngkin panders about nonexistent voting by noncitizens, by Roger Chelsey
When it comes to hyping phantom voter fraud – most recently by noncitizens reputedly casting ballots in presidential contests, which is already illegal – Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin keeps playing lapdog to Donald Trump. The former president’s lies about the subject have earned tacit support from Youngkin and other Republican officials in the run-up to the November election.
Chesterfield County to honor 10 sports legends in Hall of Fame
Chesterfield County will induct 10 local sports legends into its inaugural Sports Hall of Fame this week, honoring athletes and coaches who have made significant contributions to the area’s rich athletic history. The ceremony is set for 6 p.m. Thursday at the Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education in Chester.
Co-founder of Abundent Life Church of Christ leaves lasting impact
Mother. Wife. Pastor Foreman. Libby. Lady “O.” Beatrice Olivia A. Foreman had many roles and was known by many names throughout her long life, which included decades as co-founding pastor of the Abundant Life Church of Christ. Foreman died Monday, Sept. 2, 2024, at the age of 82, and the accomplishments she left in her wake promise to influence the Richmond community for generations to come.
Civil rights pioneer Sybil Haydel Morial dies
Sybil Haydel Morial, widow of New Orleans’ first Black mayor and a prominent civil rights activist, died at 91, her family announced last Wednesday.
Concert series continues at Main Street Station
The City’s Department of Public Works kicked off its free “Music at Main” concert series at Main Street Station on Sept. 5 with a performance by Soul Expressions. The series will continue with two more shows Sept. 12 and Sept. 19, running from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Pre-production on a Richmond 34 film underway
Pre-production has begun on a film depicting the Richmond 34, a group of Virginia Union University students who were arrested in 1960 for staging a sit-in at a lunch counter of the Thalhimers department store in Richmond.
Summer snapshots
As the Richmond area buzzed with activity this summer, not every noteworthy event made it to our front pages. This photo spread offers a glimpse into some of the life beyond our headlines.
VUU shatters records in 69-7 rout of Kentucky State
Virginia Union unleashed a record-breaking offensive onslaught in a 69-7 defeat of Kentucky State to kick off the 2024 football season Saturday.
