Awareness of sarcoidosis is critical in African-American community
April is National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month and Saturday, April 13, is “Shine a Light Day” on this rare disease. From VCU Health Systems in Richmond to Niagara Falls in Canada to the One Trade Center in New York City to some Mayo Clinics to bridges and buildings across America — all will be illuminated in purple.
‘Put our children first’ when it comes to education
As a native of Prince Edward County, I think the number of folks using the Brown v. Board of Education decision to perpetuate their respective narratives regarding the state of our public schools, specifically Richmond Public Schools, is appalling.
MBL hosts tour of Small Business Grant contest winners
Get ready for the big reveal. On Thursday, April 11, three African-American-owned Richmond businesses will show off improvements they have made, thanks to grants the Metropolitan Business League and Wells Fargo Bank provided.
History marker dedicated to Charles City County lynching victim
Virginia’s first history marker to a lynching victim now stands near the historic courthouse in Charles City County. The new marker recalling the brutal hanging of Isaac Brandon was dedicated Sunday, April 7, 127 years almost to the day when it happened.
RRHA negotiating plan to turn over 11 properties to private company
The city’s housing authority is on the verge of giving a New Jersey-based company control of 11 smaller apartment complexes that house families and the elderly as part of its larger plan to modernize public housing by turning over ownership to private companies.
Rental car scene blows up to jail time for city man
Arthur H. Majola went to pick up a rental car his insurance company was providing after his vehicle, which had been damaged in an accident, went into a repair shop. But he wound up spending 54 days in jail where he became celebrated for engaging in a hunger strike that nearly killed him but forced his release.
School Board mounts effort to contain school construction costs
The Richmond School Board is taking a series of steps in seeking to get a handle on the soaring cost of school construction. The ballooning cost is undermining any hope of modernizing city schools for $800 million over 20 years — the amount the city has promised to provide.
New legal effort launched to remove Agelasto from office
Parker C. Agelasto is facing a new legal attack seeking to remove him from his 5th District City Council seat since he moved his residence outside the district. Just two months after former City Councilman Henry W. “Chuck” Richardson filed a lawsuit in Richmond Circuit Court seeking Mr. Agelasto’s ouster, another former City Council member, Sa’ad El-Amin, is seeking a separate removal action in the same court.
New D.C. archbishop poised to become first African-American cardinal
Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Atlanta has been tapped to head the influential Archdiocese of Washington, filling a slot left vacant in October after its previous archbishop, Cardinal Donald Wuerl, was accused of mishandling cases of sexual abuse by priests during his time in Pittsburgh.
Investigators probing cause of fires at 3 black churches in La.
About 100 investigators are working to find out who is behind a series of church fires that have struck rural areas of Louisiana in recent weeks. The fires, which have prompted calls for prayer by the state’s governor, destroyed three predominantly African-American churches in St. Landry Parish, around Opelousas, in late March and early April and caused minor damage to a mostly white Pentecostal church in Vivian, about 200 miles north in Caddo Parish.
Kanye taking ‘church’ to Coachella this Easter
Since the beginning of the year, Kanye West has been hosting a mysterious variety show of celebrity performances featuring both new and old music, complete with a gospel choir, that he calls “Sunday Service.”
VUU raises $7.4M at annual Legacy Awards & Scholarship Gala
Virginia Union University raised $7.4 million during its 7th Annual Legacy Awards & Scholarship Gala, university officials have announced. Students, faculty and staff pledged $1.6 million over 20 years, while VUU executives and administrators pledged $5.7 million, officials stated Monday, noting that the pledge by students, faculty and staff is the largest in the university’s 154-year history.
Olympians visit Richmond
Olympic swimmers Simone Manuel, right, and Maritza McClendon inspire youngsters, including 7-year-old Valerie Lewis, left, during Tuesday’s Splash Day at the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club.
Chesterfield’s Megan Walker added to UConn’s basketball success
Megan Walker doubled up on success in her sophomore basketball season at the University of Connecticut. The 6-foot-1 former Monacan High School megastar from Chesterfield County transformed from substitute status to prime-time star for Coach Geno Auriemma’s Huskies.
Baylor women win NCAA Tournament crown
At the end of Chloe Jackson’s college basketball journey, she found a pot of gold. The 5-foot-8 guard was named tournament MVP after leading Baylor University of Waco, Texas, to the NCAA Tournament’s women’s championship Sunday in Tampa, Fla.
Rain cancellations don’t dampen Flying Squirrels’ opening spirit
The speed limit on Arthur Ashe Boulevard, formerly known as The Boulevard, varies between 25 mph and 35 mph. But at The Diamond, located on the thoroughfare, there is no speed limit.
Personality: Evette Roots
Spotlight on chair of Sister Fund philanthropic group
Three years ago, a small group of philanthropic-minded women wanted to make a significant impact in the lives of black women and girls. That was the beginning of SisterFund, created with a spirited responsibility, coupled with dollars, to change and enhance the future for African-American females.
Dr. Allia L. Carter promoted to No. 2 role at VUU
Dr. Allia Lakenya Carter, a 22-year veteran of higher education, has been promoted to the No. 2 executive position at Virginia Union University, the historic North Side school announced this week.
17th Street Farmers’ Market
Who should Richmond residents see about a partial refund of the $3.6 million in taxpayers’ dollars spent on what was supposed to be a rehab of the 17th Street Farmers’ Market?
Wahoo fever!
U.Va. reaches NCAA Final Four for first time since 1984
The University of Virginia has one of the nation’s best all-round athletic programs, but there is something missing: A national basketball title. The Cavaliers, with 25 NCAA crowns to their credit in a wide variety of sports, will try and check the elusive hoops box in the next few days when the team heads to the NCAA Tournament’s Final Four in Minneapolis.
