R. Kelly pleads not guilty to sexually assaulting teens, posts $100,000 bail
Grammy-winning R&B star R. Kelly pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges that he sexually assaulted three teenage girls and a woman in alleged incidents dating back to 1998, weeks after a television documentary leveled new accusations against him.
Diversity a big winner at 91st Academy Awards
Filmmaker Spike Lee won his first competitive Oscar Sunday night at the 91st Annual Academy Awards that was awash in historic wins for diversity, including awards for Ryan Coogler’s superhero sensation “Black Panther,” Alfonso Cuaron’s black-and-white personal epic “Roma” and the Freddie Mercury biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
7 recognized at UR’s inaugural Black Excellence Gala
Five students, a faculty member and an administrator at the University of Richmond were celebrated for achievements during the school’s inaugural Black Excellence Gala held at the campus last Saturday.
Kaepernick, Reid reach settlement with NFL
In what amounts to a secret agreement, Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid last week resolved their grievances with the NFL. They will receive an undisclosed settlement based on claims that NFL owners colluded against them as retaliation for kneeling during the playing of the national anthem.
John Marshall rolling toward second straight state title
In its quest for a second straight state basketball title, Richmond’s John Marshall High School has switched from a No. 1 single star to a galaxy of shining lights.
VSU’s Lonnie Blow named Coach of the Year
Virginia State and Virginia Union universities are well represented on what amounts to the CIAA’s men’s’ and women’s basketball honor rolls.
VSU could meet VUU in men’s final
It’s possible something could occur this week that’s never happened in CIAA Basketball Tournament history dating to 1946.
Pope calls for ‘all-out battle’ against sexual child abuse
In his final address to nearly 190 bishops attending last week’s Vatican summit on sex abuse, Pope Francis called for the eradication of abuse both inside and outside the Roman Catholic Church.
Pitching legend Don Newcombe dies at 92
In the late 1940s, the Brooklyn Dodgers rattled baseball’s foundation by boldly breaking the color line. It was to be a major turning point in all professional sports.
Dominion to ask U.S. Supreme Court to hear pipeline appeal
Dominion Energy said Tuesday it will ask the U.S. Supreme Court to hear its appeal after a lower court refused to reconsider a ruling tossing out a permit that would have allowed the Atlantic Coast Pipeline to cross two national forests, including parts of the Appalachian Trail.
General Assembly wraps up 2019 session
Virginia lawmakers wrapped up this year’s scandal-marked legislative session Sunday after passing a state budget that includes pay raises for teachers and state employees and significant new spending on public education.
New study shows disparity in number of city police encounters with African-Americans
African-Americans in Richmond are involved in nearly two out of three civilian encounters with police officers, with lopsided contacts when police are checking out suspicious persons or activities, a new study finds.
Richmond woman files $30M lawsuit alleging rights violation in police traffic stop
An African-American resident of Richmond is seeking $30 million in damages from the City of Richmond and the white police officer who put her in handcuffs during a traffic stop for a defective headlight and tail light — a restraint practice the suit alleges affects mostly African-American drivers in violation of their constitutional rights.
The price of reconciliation
Out of crisis comes opportunity. And the blackface scandal that has thrown Virginia into chaos during the last month is no exception. But while Gov. Ralph S. Northam selfishly is determined to hang on to his seat rather than do the right thing and resign, we urge our community to understand and walk through the door of opportunity this horrid situation presents.
New History and Culture Commission
We were interested to see the list of appointees on Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s new History and Culture Commission that was released this week. It has been charged with advising the mayor and the city on creating more “equitable spaces and opportunities” when it comes to public monuments and spaces of historical and cultural significant.
Richmond Black Restaurant Experience starts serving it up Sunday
The city is set to celebrate and consume a wide range of culinary delights during the Richmond Black Restaurant Experience.
Lady Panthers expected to dominate CIAA
Twin sisters Shameka and Shareka McNeill should feel right at home at this weeks’ CIAA Tournament in Charlotte, N.C.
Local chef-caterer turns empty church kitchen into a busy business
On weekdays, the kitchen at Faith Community Baptist Church in Richmond’s East End is a beehive of activity six hours a day.
City’s first African-American fire chief Ronald C. Lewis dies at 84
Ronald Charles “Ron” Lewis led the modernization of Richmond’s Fire Department after being installed as the city’s first African-American fire chief in 1978.
Personality: Jamon K. Phenix
Spotlight on VUU Student Government Association president
Jamon K. Phenix, president of Virginia Union University’s Student Government Association, takes this position as a student leader and one of the gatekeepers of his university.
