Pioneering jazz singer Jon Hendricks succumbs at 96
Jon Hendricks, the pioneering jazz singer and lyricist who, with the trio Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, popularized the “vocalese” singing style in which words were added to instrumental songs, has died. He was 96.
Judge approves RCC sale to UNCI
As anticipated, the Richmond-based United Nations Church International has been approved to purchase the 5-acre Richmond Christian Center property in South Side
Priest aids in Mugabe relinquishing power
Zimbabwe’s former President Robert Mugabe knew it was “the end of the road” days before he quit, and appeared relieved when he signed his resignation letter after 37 years in power, said a Catholic priest who mediated talks leading to his removal from office.
Personality: Kathryn Wall
Spotlight on board chair of Children’s Home Society of Va.
Kathryn Wall has always loved children. After meeting Nadine Marsh-Carter, CEO of the Children’s Home Society of Virginia, and being overwhelmed by some of the stories about youngsters that were shared, Ms. Wall was inspired to get involved. She is chair of the nonprofit Richmond/organization’s board of directors, a volunteer position she loves.
Racial disparity in health care
Recognizing problem is Rx for change
The headlines about health problems plaguing the African-American community are frequent and alarming. From diabetes to hypertension and heart disease, to asthma and certain types of cancer, the statistics are clear: Black people suffer from a multitude of chronic health conditions and at a rate higher than other racial and ethnic groups.
Opponents fear Main Street Station plans will run over slave memorial
Hopes of creating a memorial park in Shockoe Bottom recalling Richmond’s role as a center of the slave trade appear to conflict with efforts to make Main Street Station a more significant passenger rail stop.
Neo-Confederates to return for second Richmond rally
A neo-Confederate group plans to return to Richmond next month for a second “Heritage Not Hate” rally on Monument Avenue, despite new state regulations restricting firearms and the number of people allowed at rallies at the Gen. Robert E. Lee monument. CSA II: The New Confederate States of America, a Tennessee-based group, “will hold their rally on Richmond City property outside of the traffic circle surrounding the Lee monument in the same location of the Sept. 16 rally,” Thomas Crompton, a rally organizer, told the Free Press on Wednesday.
Lawsuit alleges RRHA overcharged thousands of public housing residents
Has the landlord for Richmond’s public housing residents been ripping off its tenants? Yes, according to the nonprofit Legal Aid Justice Center, the poor people’s law firm with offices in Richmond, Charlottesville and Falls Church.
GRTC to honor Rosa Parks Friday
GRTC will honor civil rights legend Rosa Parks on the 62nd anniversary of her defiant refusal to give up her seat on a public transit bus in Montgomery, Ala., ultimately leading to the U.S. Supreme Court upholding a lower court ruling that racially segregated seating on public transportation is illegal.
Wedding bells for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry
It looks like a fairy tale ending for Meghan Markle, the American actress best known for her role in the television legal drama “Suits.” Ms. Markle and Britain’s Prince Harry announced on Monday they are getting married next year, saying their relationship had blossomed “incredibly quickly” after meeting on a blind date.
Collecting comfort items for children separated from parents
Most people wouldn’t think something as simple as a teddy bear would make an emotional impact, but Cynthia Downing, creator of The Comfort Movement, has a different opinion.
City welcomes new schools chief
Jason Kamras from D.C. to become next Richmond superintendent
They campaigned on a platform of change for a school system that continues to rank high in dropouts and suspensions and low in student academic achievement.
‘Tiger Tom’ and ‘Bette’ Mitchell ‘now smiling and holding hands in heaven’
Re obituary for “Elizabeth ‘Bette’ Mitchell, widow of ‘Tiger Tom’ Mitchell,” Free Press Nov. 16-18 edition:
Schools referendum: ‘It’s not perfect’
Re editorial “Real results,” Free Press Nov. 16-18 edition: Your baffling editorial disparaging the massive Election Day support — 99 percent in the African-American community and 84.8 percent across the city — for the school modernization charter change referendum claimed the following about the proposal:
‘Zero tolerance for sexual harassment’
Editor’s note: This letter was sent last week by the Virginia Speaker of the House designee to the Capitol Square community.
Good news for a change
By now, you know I look forward to the opportunity of sharing my opinions with readers. I pray that the columns offer helpful, thought-provoking and uplifting ideas.
Thanksgiving: A bipartisan celebration
“This history (of Thanksgiving) teaches us that the American instinct has never been to seek isolation in opposite corners; it is to find strength in our common creed and forge unity from our great
College student feels new confidence with guide dog
La’Teia Randolph is extra thankful this year. The blind Richmonder now has a guide dog to help her get around — Della, a 2-year-old female Labrador retriever.
New Barbie in hijab modeled after U.S. Olympic fencer
The Barbie doll has come a long way since her introduction in 1959. The latest version of Mattel’s popular doll is wearing a hijab and fencing outfit. The doll is made in the likeness of Ibtihaj Muhammad, the U.S. Olympic fencer who made history at last year’s Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro as the first American athlete to compete wearing the traditional Islamic headscarf.
HU exits MEAC for Big South Conference
There’s an upside and a downside to Hampton University’s surprise decision to leave the MEAC for the Big South Conference.
