Sen. McClellan sworn in; election for House seat Feb. 7
Jennifer L. McClellan has donned a new title — state senator. The 44-year-old Richmond Democrat and corporate lawyer was sworn in last Friday as one of 40 members of the upper chamber just three days after voters elected her to the 9th Senate District seat.
Delegation of Richmond area black conservatives headed to inauguration
The Rev. Joe Ellison Jr. was an outspoken supporter of Republican candidate Donald Trump before the November presidential election. Now he’s heading to Washington to take part in the inauguration of the next president. However, Rev. Ellison and other area African-American conservatives have more on their minds than cheering the new American leader.
House Democrats set to boycott Trump inauguration on Friday
Donald Trump made his name with opulent hotels and a dramatic reality TV show. But his inauguration on Friday, Jan. 20, as the nation’s 45th president is shaping up as a more understated affair, with big names in entertainment staying away. Also staying away are more than 50 Congressional Democrats who plan to boycott in protest of the New York
Obama era ends
President’s legacy inarguable despite GOP aim to erase it
With President Obama poised to leave office after two terms, advocates and supporters are concerned about the durability of his legacy after eight years of intense and sustained opposition from Republicans and the promise by his Republican successor to erase any semblance of the Obama presidency.
City Council approves CARITAS treatment center
In its first meeting of the new term, Richmond City Council cleared the way for faith-based CARITAS to develop a headquarters in South Side that is to include a treatment center for women addicted to drugs and alcohol. The decision came during a speedy 1 hour, 7 minute meeting Monday night when the council, with four new members, hit the pause button on a series of proposals so members could have a fresh review in committee.
Bourne to run
Richmond School Board member Jeff M. Bourne is no longer playing coy about running for the Richmond House of Delegates seat that Jennifer L. McClellan is about to vacate.
President Obama’s farewell speech
It’s good to be home. My fellow Americans, Michelle and I have been so touched by all the well-wishes we’ve received over the past few weeks. But tonight it’s my turn to say thanks. Whether we’ve seen eye to eye or rarely agreed at all, my conversations with you, the American people — in living rooms and schools; at farms and on factory floors; at diners and on distant outposts — are what have kept me honest, kept me inspired, and kept me going. Every day, I learned from you. You made me a better president, and you made me a better man.
Why support the D.C. Women’s March?
“Ain’t I A Woman? I have ploughed and planted and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain’t I a woman! I could work as much and eat as much as a man — when I could get it — and bear the lash as well. And ain’t I a woman? I’ve bourne thirteen children and seen most all sold off and when I cried out with my mother’s grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain’t I a woman.” — Sojourner Truth
To improve schools, let’s work together
The success of Richmond Public Schools, its students, and its families is critically important to the City of Richmond and will be a top priority in my mayoral administration. Voters in 2016 made it very clear that they want their leaders to prioritize education, and that they want to see public officials collaborate to support schools.
Free Press celebrates 25 years
A message to our readers by Free Press Publisher Jean P. Boone Twenty-five years ago in January 1992, I often would refer to the Richmond Free Press as “a baby that wouldn’t stop crying.”
Area events to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Richmond community has more than a week’s worth of activities to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this year.
‘March on Monument’ set for Saturday
A Richmond march on seven blocks of Monument Avenue is to take place this weekend to promote social justice and serve as a counterpoint to Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration as the 45th president.
Deltas reschedule Founders event
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has rescheduled its Central Virginia-Tidewater Founders Day Celebration for Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Downtown.
74th Golden Globe Awards hit notes of inclusion
The lack of racial and ethnic diversity in Hollywood was a running joke during last year’s Academy Awards ceremony. This year, several African-Americans were recognized at the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards, a star-studded event televised from Beverly Hills, Calif. The event is put on by Hollywood Foreign Press Association to honor the best in film and American television during the past year.
VUU takes on VSU Sunday at the 2017 Freedom Classic
Tavon Mealy excels at most aspects of basketball, especially the winning part. You can say the same about Walter Williams. Virginia Union University’s Mealy and Virginia State University’s Williams both have danced to a steady drum beat of team success throughout their young careers.
Rachael Pecota, 26, brings uniqueness to Lady Panthers
Small, private HBCUs such as Virginia Union University sometimes must explore off the beaten path for talent. Even area health clubs can be on the search list. Rachael Pecota had been away from organized basketball some five years when her jump shot was spotted at American Family Fitness in Midlothian.
VCU beats UMass; ready for Davidson on Saturday
Just prior to the Atlantic 10 tournament in March, conference coaches will gather in Pittsburgh to vote on the A-10 Player of the Year.
Mike London headed to Howard
Howard University is a perennial football underdog perhaps known more for its dynamic “Showtime” Marching Band than for its gridiron success. Michael London, HU’s new football coach at age 56, hopes to change that image by sandwiching some improved football around the glitzy halftime performances.
Anna Wilson playing at Stanford after previous injury
Anna Wilson’s clean bill of health spells trouble for upcoming opponents of Stanford University’s women’s basketball team. Wilson, a Richmond native and sister of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, was held out of the Pac-12 school’s early action due to a concussion suffered last March at the McDonald’s All-America Classic in Chicago.
