How mass deportations would cripple America’s workforce, by Julianne Malveaux
Douglas Turner Ward (1930-2021) wrote a searing play, “Days of Absence,” that imagined life in a small Southern town where all the Black residents disappeared overnight. Predictably, the white townspeople could not walk and chew gum, neither at one time nor at the same time.
Did you miss a national holiday, Mr. President?, by Clarence Page
Juneteenth came and went last Thursday, but curiously something seemed to be missing from the annual celebration: a cordial salute from the president of the United States.
What John Reid’s controversies say about his candidacy
Recently, John Reid, the GOP candidate for lieutenant governor, announced that if efforts to enshrine same-sex marriage rights into Virginia’s constitution met a tie in the Senate chamber, he would vote against it.
Chesterfield announces Sports Hall of Fame class of 2025
Chesterfield County will add seven new members to its Sports Hall of Fame, honoring local athletes who have made significant contributions to the community’s sports legacy.
Fellows to research and preserve Black history across Virginia
Three community preservationists have been selected for the 2025 African American Fellows Program at Preservation Virginia, an initiative designed to support the study and protection of African American historic sites across the state.
Film screening to highlight life of Emanuel AME shooting victim Daniel Simmons
A documentary about Rev. Daniel Simmons Sr., one of nine people killed in the 2015 shooting at Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C., will be screened on July 1.
Personality: Alan L. Meekins Sr.
Spotlight on Scouting America’s James River District Silver Beaver Award winner
A lifelong Scout and now Scoutmaster of Troop 432 at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, Alan Meekins recently received Scouting America’s Silver Beaver Award, honoring his decades of dedication to the Scout Oath and Law. The award is the highest honor a local Scouting America council can give an adult volunteer and recognizes Meekins' distinguished service to youth at the council level. It reflects the core values of Scouting and his commitment to serving others.
Debate continues as Council delays action on leaders’ residency rule
An ordinance that could require more city leaders to live in the city was delayed by City Council for further consideration during their Monday meeting.
Anti-war advocates mobilize to oppose Iran war
Days before the United States struck nuclear facilities in Iran, anti-war advocates gathered in Monroe Park to denounce the involvement of the United States in growing aggression against the country.
VSU viral fans video raises $12,000 for student tuition
A viral moment from Virginia State University’s 2025 spring commencement has turned into a successful fundraiser, bringing in $12,000 for the university’s Student Tuition Assistance Fund.
UR graduate named Marshall-Motley Scholar
Ryan Doherty, a 2025 graduate of the University of Richmond, was recently selected as a Marshall-Motley Scholar by the Legal Defense and Educational Fund.
Richmond voids tickets issued by mistake on Juneteenth
On Richmond’s website, Juneteenth is listed as one of several holidays when the city doesn’t enforce parking time limits. Because of a mishap last Thursday, the city’s parking enforcement contractor ticketed nearly two dozen cars and had two towed despite the holiday.
GRTC adding larger buses to handle rider surge
The Greater Richmond Transit Co. will roll out a new fleet of articulated buses next month to accommodate higher ridership and ease overcrowding on its busiest routes.
Historic Station 12 reopens its doors
ity officials joined the Richmond Fire Department to celebrate the grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Board squatting
There’s a problem with several of Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s appointees to college boards. Their selection was voted down by the General Assembly, but they’ve refused to leave their positions. This is different from student protesters who take over buildings — those students know they’re breaking rules to make a point. But these board members think they should still be there, even after being told otherwise.
The uncertain future faced by youth and young adults, by David W. Marshall
As a Black man and as a baby boomer, I have become very concerned for young people of color in our nation.
Virginia Union’s Alvin Parker participates in NFL leadership events
Virginia Union University Associate Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Alvin Parker attended two National Football League-sponsored leadership programs June 17-18 in Atlanta: the Eighth Annual Quarterback Summit and the Ozzie Newsome General Manager Forum.
Branzelle earns VaSID All-State second team honors
Preston Branzelle of the Virginia State University baseball team has been named to the Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID) All-State second team.
Richmond closes first half with first series win of 2025
John Michael Bertrand pitched six scoreless innings and Turner Hill tied a franchise record for triples as the Richmond Flying Squirrels beat the Altoona Curve 2-1 on Sunday at Peoples Natural Gas Field.
Library of Virginia staff win award for book on Black freedom
Library of Virginia editors John G. Deal and Marianne E. Julienne and historian Brent Tarter have received this year’s Richard Slatten Award for Excellence in Virginia Biography from the Virginia Museum of History & Culture for their book “Justice for Ourselves: Black Virginians Claim Their Freedom After Slavery.”
