Lawmakers, others hopeful about passage of federal George Floyd Justice in Policing Act
A year after his killing unleashed a national reckoning over racial injustice, George Floyd’s relatives met on Tuesday with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House and with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to urge passage of police reform legislation in their loved one’s name.
VSU recognizes 700 grads in first in-person commencement since 2019
It was a day of celebration last Sunday at Virginia State University, as three classes of graduates marched and were recognized during the first in-person commencement held at the university since 2019 because of the pandemic.
Josiah Harrison’s skills add up to a promising future in baseball
According to baseball math, power plus speed equals Josiah Harrison.
Church members to return to court June 1 in Fourth Baptist conflict
A Richmond judge again is being asked to step into the fight for control of a divided Fourth Baptist Church and stop the pastor and its deacons from trying anew to oust their opponents — six trustees, the chair of the Finance Committee and the church treasurer.
Pioneering comic Paul Mooney dies at 79
Paul Mooney, the boundary-pushing comedian who was Richard Pryor’s longtime writing partner and whose bold, incisive musings on racism and American life made him a revered figure in stand-up, died Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at his home in Oakland, Calif., of a heart attack. He was 79.
Personality: Gregory I. Darrisaw
Spotlight on leader of Hobson Lodge No. 23 Prince Hall Masons at 150th anniversary
Gregory Ian Darrisaw feels surrounded by history as the presiding officer of Hobson Lodge No. 23 F&A Prince Hall Masons, the largest Prince Hall Masonic lodge in the city’s South Side.
Black-owned businesses look back, ahead during pandemic
Michelle R. Mosby rang in the 20th anniversary of her business, International Hair Salon, on April 1 with a small group of employees and supporters in a spirited, but safe celebration at the salon on Forest Hill Avenue in South Side.
Gold rush
Urban One wins nod to operate a casino-resort in South Richmond with a contract based on high expectations and promises of payouts
As the Virginia General Assembly considered legislation in winter 2020 to authorize casino gambling in Richmond and four other cities, Alfred C. Liggins III spent time buttonholing House and Senate members.
People pause to honor George Floyd on anniversary of his death
A family friendly street festival, musical performances and moments of silence were held Tuesday to honor George Floyd and mark the year since he died at the hands of Minneapolis police on May 25, 2020, a death captured on wrenching bystander video that galvanized a global racial justice movement and continues to bring calls for change.
Plans move forward to remove Confederate Gen. A.P. Hill monument and tomb
The statue of Confederate Gen. A.P. Hill appears to be on its way to removal, along with his gravesite over which the statue towers at Laburnum Avenue and Hermitage Road in North Side.
Youngster who interviewed President Obama at White House dies at 23
The student reporter who gained national acclaim when he interviewed former President Obama at the White House in 2009 has died of natural causes, his family said.
Pervis Staples, member of famed Staple Singers, dies at 85
Pervis Staples, whose tenor voice complimented his father’s and sisters’ in the legendary gospel group The Staple Singers, was remembered during a funeral service Monday, May 17, as a great singer and a great brother.
Fidelity launches teen accounts
Looking to draw in the next generation of investors, Fidelity Investments is launching a new type of account for teenagers to save, spend and invest their money.
Disney Junior series aims to give kid’s-eye view of race
“Rise Up, Sing Out,” an animated shorts series presenting the concepts of race, racism and social justice to young viewers, is coming to Disney Junior.
Supermodel Naomi Campbell becomes mother at 50
Supermodel Naomi Campbell has become the mother of a baby girl.
Why I’m investing in Live! Casino & Hotel Richmond, by Billy McMullen
Growing up, I remember my father telling me about when he was a little boy living in Jackson Ward. He spoke about sitting on my grandmother’s lap on the porch of their home at 1164 St. Paul St. as they watched the bulldozers come through to build the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike.
Dishonest defense of voter suppression, by Ben Jealous
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz is a shame- less liar. And he isn’t even a very good one. Witness his latest dishonest defense of Georgia’s new voter suppression law.
No justice, no peace, by Julianne Malveaux
As of this writing, more than 200 Palestinians and 10 Israelis have been killed in the conflict in Gaza.
Unexpected consequences
The COVID-19 pandemic has spawned some very harsh consequences for people and communities across the United States.
Criminal probe or probing a criminal
New York Attorney General Letitia James has turned up the heat on former President Trump, announcing Tuesday that her office has opened a criminal investigation into the Trump Organization.
