Property in Henrico’s Garden City may be taken for planned development
Some homeowners in Henrico’s Garden City neighborhood may have their property taken for new roads for the $2.3 billion planned GreenCity development.
New Voting Rights Act headed to governor
Virginia will soon have its own Voting Rights Act to protect against voter suppression and intimidation.
Richmond siblings’ film, ‘Slave Cry,’ to be shown at the Pan African Film & Arts Festival
“Slave Cry,” a film by Richmond filmmaker Jai Jamison that stars his sister, Courtney Jamison, will be screened at the 29th Annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival that runs Feb. 28 through March 14.
No. 1 Baldwin aces assists for VCU Rams
There’s a new basketball statistic this winter at Virginia Common- wealth University, albeit unofficially. It’s called the “Ace-sist.”
Dr. Ralph Reavis Sr., pastor, author and former president of Virginia University of Lynchburg, dies at 80
The private Virginia University of Lynchburg was teetering on collapse when Dr. Ralph Reavis Sr. left the pulpit at Riverview Baptist Church in Richmond to respond to a call to save his undergraduate alma mater.
Personality: E. Martin ‘Marty’ Jewell
Spotlight on board chairman of Cannabis Equity Coalition of Virginia
In a time of growing econom- ic instability for marginalized communities, E. Martin “Mar- ty” Jewell sees an opportunity in a new industry for Virginia’s minority population and he is determined to seize it.
Statewide vaccine registry system launches amid continuing questions about equitable distribution
Virginia just made it easier to sign up to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
It’s not over yet
Just days after the U.S. Senate acquits former President Trump, Congressman Bennie Thompson of Mississippi files a lawsuit to hold him responsible for inciting insurrection at the U.S. Capitol
One thing is for certain, there was no surprise.
Mayor to deliver State of the City address Feb. 11
First, let’s get the vaccine out to everyone so we can get rid of the virus and the disruption it has caused. Then, let’s craft a recovery that promotes healing and unity and pursues social and economic equity. That’s the message Mayor Levar M. Stoney plans to deliver in his State of the City address, the first of his second term, according to a City Hall official who spoke with the Free Press on the condition of anonymity.
Book group welcomes others
Re “Faith leaders issue BHM book challenge to Richmond area residents,” Free Press Feb. 4-6 edition:
Equal opportunity
For a year now, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused grievous conditions throughout our world.
Who pays price for death penalty?, by David P. Baugh
This week finds the Commonwealth of Virginia on the verge of eliminating the death penalty.
The need for unity, by A. Peter Bailey
As we continue in Black History Month, those who consider themselves Malcolm-ites and those who consider themselves Martin-ites have too often talked the talk but not walked the walk when honoring the legacies of the two great warriors in the war against white supremacy.
The heroes within us, by Oscar H. Blayton
Each February in schools across the nation, pictures of well-known Black historical figures are mounted on bulletin boards in commemoration of Black History Month.
Kamras, the schools and COVID-19
Richmond Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras got what he wanted this week when the Richmond School Board voted to extend his contract for four years.
Equity
We have grave concerns about the state’s COVID-19 vaccine efforts and how those disproportionately impacted by the potentially fatal virus seem to be last on the list to receive inoculation against it.
Black History Month events calendar this week
A variety of events are planned in and around Richmond for Black History Month.
Former heavyweight champion Leon Spinks dies
Leon Spinks, who won Olympic gold and then shocked the boxing world by beating Muhammad Ali to win the heavyweight title in only his eighth pro fight, died Friday, Feb. 5, 2021. He was 67.
NSU opts out of football until fall
Norfolk State University, which was scheduled to play its first football game of the season next week, has now decided to opt out of its winter-spring football season because of health concerns linked to the pandemic.
