‘March for More’ demonstration set for Dec. 8
Richmond Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras, Mayor Levar M. Stoney and Virginia education leaders will hold a “March for More” rally and demonstration this weekend to demand more state money for public education.
Help for health care sign-ups on Dec. 8
Celebrate Healthcare is teaming up with First Baptist Church of South Richmond to help people enroll in health insurance plans under the federal Affordable Care Act and the state’s Medicaid expansion program.
On separate TEDx stages, a local mother and daughter share their perspectives on education and identity
They were already close, but Dr. Hollee Freeman said her bond with her daughter is even stronger after they were invited to speak at separate local TEDx events within weeks of each other.
State NAACP president muddies group’s stance against Dominion Energy pipeline project
The Virginia State NAACP is reaffirming its opposition to Dominion Energy’s $6.5 billion Atlantic Coast Pipeline because it believes a key element of the pipeline — a natural gas compressor station —poses a pollution risk to a historically African-American community in Buckingham County, 75 miles west of Richmond.
Dr. Corey Walker leaving VUU School of Theology
Virginia Union University will soon start looking for a new dean for the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology. In a surprise move, Dr. Corey D.B. Walker announced in a letter to the students and faculty that he is leaving what he called his “dream” job as a VUU vice president, theology school dean and professor of religion and society on Dec. 31.
Trump endorses bipartisan federal sentencing reform effort
President Trump’s boisterous and often denigrating political rhetoric during most of the 2018 midterm campaign season and his post-election assault on the federal court in California may have overshadowed his positive take on federal prison sentencing.
In limbo: City Councilman Parker C. Agelasto casts decisive vote in latest poll on Coliseum project despite looming questions over his qualifications to hold 5th District seat
Richmond City Councilman Parker C. Agelasto, 5th District, is continuing to play a prominent role on the nine-member governing board despite ongoing concerns about the legality of his seat on council since his move last summer to another council district.
Bowie State loses in round 2 of NCAA playoffs
Bowie State University’s football season and quarterback Amir Hall’s college career both ended Saturday, Nov. 24, in Valdosta, Ga.
Trump and scandal
For several years, many of us were consumed by the night on which the popular television show “Scandal,” starring Kerry Washington, was broadcast. Well, it seems that the program was our preparation for what’s going on in our country today.
Is this really environmental justice?
The Virginia Environmental Justice Collaborative condemns Gov. Ralph S. Northam’s decision to suddenly replace two members of the state Air Pollution Control Board in the midst of the crucial permitting process for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline proposed compressor station in Buckingham County.
Step aside
Richmond City Councilman Parker C. Agelasto no longer lives in the district that he represents. He has acknowledged that he moved out of the 5th District in July into a house on West Franklin Street in the city’s 1st District with his pregnant wife and 2-year-old daughter, saying he needed larger accommodations for a growing family.
Teaching while black
We have read with disgust report after report from around the nation of incidents of white people calling the cops on African-Americans who are engaged in nothing more than the normal activities of daily living — barbecuing while black, going to the pool while black, waiting at Starbucks while black, going into your apartment building while black, vacationing at an airbnb while black, selling Girl Scout cookies while black and campaigning for public office while black.
Kudos to Evergreen volunteer
Every once in a while, you come across a person who is willing to put the community ahead of all things. They do this day in and day out. George Nixon is such a person. He has volunteered to help correct the overgrowth at Evergreen Cemetery. He has worked tirelessly since March 2016, helping to clear about 18 of approximately 60 acres.
Why I don’t go to church
I don’t go to church because I find it irrelevant. When I went to church, even good ones with a message and an active congregation, I found serious issues were omitted.
Free HIV testing Dec.1 for World AIDS Day
In honor of World AIDS Day, free HIV testing will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at The Valentine, 1015 E. Clay St.
Holiday events underway in city
Richmond will turn on the holiday lights and welcome Santa to Downtown this weekend to officially launch the celebration of the season in the Capital City. First up will be the 34th Annual Grand Illumination on Friday, Nov. 30.
3rd Annual Afrikana Independent Film Festival rescheduled for Nov. 29-Dec. 2
Boots Riley, writer and director of the independent film “Sorry to Bother You,” will talk about his film following a screening 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Grace Street Theater, 934 W. Grace St.
Diana Ross slays as headliner of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Frigid weather and blustery winds didn’t chill the enthusiasm at the 2018 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, where spectators bundled up in blankets and sleeping bags and the giant character balloons flew lower than usual.
Ella Mai sweeps 2018 Soul Train Awards
British singer Ella Mai won big at the 2018 Soul Train Awards, dominating in three categories during Sunday night’s telecast and taking honors for best R&B/soul female artist, and song of the year and the Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award for “Boo’d Up.”
‘Green Book’ offers small slice of amazing musician’s life, talent
Raise your hand if you have ever heard of Donald W. “Don” Shirley. I expect most of you are as unaware of this remarkable musical giant as I was before I went to see the new film “Green Book.”
