Virginia is poised to eliminate the death penalty
The death penalty has been a staple of Virginia law since the first English settlers arrived in Jamestown.
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.
Local connection to Kansas City Chiefs
There is a local connection between the Richmond area and last Sunday’s Super Bowl.
2 HBCU athletes on rosters for Super Bowl teams
Much has changed during the last 54 years regarding HBCU participation on Super Bowl Sunday.
Tom Brady, G.O.A.T. quarterback, takes Tampa Bay to champions’ circle
You can call them the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, or the “Tompa” Bay Bucs or “Brady’s Bunch,” or the golden oldies, but be sure to also call them Super Bowl LV champions.
Presidents’ Day holiday closings
In observance of the President’s Day holiday on Monday, Feb. 15, please note the following:
Landlord must sell properties, undergo housing training in HOME settlement
Richmond area landlord Teresa Vetter has agreed to sell her properties and give up leasing apartments for five years to end a lawsuit accusing her of discrimination against families with children and people with disabilities.
Randy Wilson new HomeAgain executive director
Randy Wilson has spent the past 10 years leading the Hope, Unity and Freedom Center in providing supportive services to people with mental, emotional or behavioral challenges.
Advocates frustrated by Democrats’ efforts on police reform
Virginia has made headlines in recent months for criminal justice reform measures but advocates say more needs to be done. They are disappointed lawmakers in both chambers of the General Assembly recently killed proposals to roll back qualified immunity protections for police officers.
