
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.

Film producer talks about his ‘Breakthrough’ and more
Christian movie producer DeVon Franklin is preparing for his third film to hit theaters just before Easter weekend. (The film opens in Richmond area movie theaters Wednesday, April 17.)

Brian Brown strategizing for Monument Ave. 10K ‘Dash for Cash’ contest
If Brian Brown appears a bit on edge this week, it’s understandable. He’s stretching his muscles and plotting strategy for what figures to be the footrace of his life — and certainly the most observed race in his 53 years.

Community Easter egg hunt Saturday in South Side
Youngsters will have a chance to win prizes, visit with the Easter Bunny and have fun this weekend at the 7th Annual Easter Egg Hunt & Celebration sponsored by Putting Communities Together Inc.

Hooray for the Hoos!
The University of Virginia Cavaliers beat Texas Tech in a nail-biting overtime game to clinch the first NCAA title in school’s history
The University of Virginia’s dream season could turn into dream seasons —plural. U.Va. won its first NCAA basketball title Monday night at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, defeating Texas Tech 85-77 in overtime.

Free Press wins 13 awards in annual VPA contest
The Richmond Free Press was recognized with 13 awards, including six first-place awards, at the annual Virginia Press Association competition in writing, photography, news presentation and advertising.

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.

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.

The biggest victory
Congratulations to the new national basketball champions, the University of Virginia Cavaliers. After a series of heart-pounding, nail-biting games — including a tense, overtime victory in Monday night’s final — the Wahoos have brought home the NCAA men’s basketball trophy, flooding all Virginians with pride.

Taking potshots at vaccines
Measles cases have cropped up across 12 states over the last 10 weeks, nearly two decades since the highly contagious disease was said to be eradicated in the United States. Temple University in Philadelphia has reported more than 100 cases of mumps in an outbreak, and more cases are spreading across the Philadelphia region.

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?

MathScience Innovation Center to be hampered by cuts
No matter how you do the math, one MathScience Innovation Center, minus four school systems, equals downsizing.

Regional recycling program at risk with Chesterfield, others pulling out
Chesterfield County is poised to pull out of a regional curbside recycling program, which could require Richmond and Henrico County to boost their subsidies to maintain the program.

What’s in a kiss? Wilder accused of sexual impropriety by VCU student
Aging political lion L. Douglas Wilder allegedly propositioned a Virginia Commonwealth University student who was young enough to be his great-granddaughter and has ended up receiving what amounts to an embarrassing and highly public slap from the young woman.

Fairfax releases polygraph results as accusers hit airwaves
After two women appeared on national television this week accusing him of sexual assault, Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax released results of polygraph examinations that he says exonerate him.

ABC’s of costs
The administration of Mayor Levar M. Stoney insists that the contracts awarded to build three new city schools “are reflective of the best possible prices given the scope of the work and the current market conditions.”

Chicago makes history in mayoral race
Lori Lightfoot’s victory in the Chicago mayor’s race signaled hope among voters that the nation’s third-largest city may someday move beyond long-entrenched divides, racial and otherwise, that have left large parts of the metropolis feeling ignored by people in power.

Va. NAACP to be run by Tenn. official
The longtime president of the Tennessee NAACP has been handed control of the Virginia State Conference NAACP. Gloria Jean Sweet-Love, who has earned credit for turning around NAACP operations in her state during her 24-year tenure at the helm, was named administrator for the Virginia operations and given sweeping powers over state NAACP policies, programs and expenditures.

Gov. Wilder as mentor
I believe God places particular persons in my life to help me navigate through my journey. One of those persons is former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder.