Petersburg police chief ousted
Dironna Moore Belton may carry the title of interim Petersburg city manager, but she’s using her authority to shake up the city government.
Former Petersburg city manager hired by debt collection company
William E. Johnson III has found a new position three months after being fired as Petersburg’s city manager. Mr. Johnson was named senior vice president for governmental affairs for the Credit Adjustment Board Inc., a Henrico County-based debt collection company.
VSU names new provost
Virginia State University President Makola M. Abdullah has found the person he wants to lead academic affairs at the Ettrick campus.
VUU hosts ‘Taking Care of Business’ session
Virginia Union University is working to prevent the kind of last-minute snafus that disrupted enrollment and housing for dozens of students at the start of classes last August.
Fans, shelters available to beat the heat
Senior Connections, the Capital Area Agency on Aging, is helping older adults combat summer heat and prevent possible health hazards.
Website launched to help people without attorneys
Thinking of representing yourself in court? The Supreme Court of Virginia wants to help.
Lest we forget
The American tragedy of gun violence that President Obama has futilely tried to address during his tenure in office has once again reared its ugly head in Florida. It is repeatedly being described as either the worst mass shooting on American soil or in the history of the United States.
World Sickle Cell Day June 19
June 19 is World Sickle Cell Day. Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. The disease causes red blood cells to function abnormally. The cells become rigid and curve into sickle shapes. The red blood cells become hard and sticky and they die early, which causes a constant shortage of red blood cells.
Obstacles to mental health care
In 2015, Jamycheal Mitchell died in the Hampton Roads Regional Jail after being arrested for stealing $5 worth of snacks from a convenience store. According to Mr. Mitchell’s family, he had bipolar disorder and schizophrenia but had stopped taking his schizophrenia medication.
Literacy warriors needed
The Dictionary defines warrior as “a person who fights in battle and is known for having courage and skill.” In “Roots,” reimagined Kizzy Kinte tells her dad, “Reading is my way of being a warrior, my way of feeling free inside.” Teaching enslaved people to read and write was illegal in most Southern states, so reading was an act of resistance, an act of rebellion, a warrior act that could get you sold or worse. Reading material described as “subversive,” such as David Walker’s “Appeal,” could get you killed.
Another case for action
For the umpteenth time, the nation has been plunged into the horrific details of another bloodbath at the hands of a gun-toting madman. No sooner than we can catch our breath from the workplace holiday party-turned-mass shooting in San Bernadino, Calif., that left 14 dead and 22 injured comes the tragedy early Sunday at an Orlando, Fla., gay club, where 49 people were gunned down and 53 people were wounded.
Father’s Day
What wisdom did your father instill in you?
Father’s Day will be celebrated Sunday, June 19, with people across the country grilling, baking cakes and cookies and buying ties for the man who has a special place in the hearts and lives of their family. In honor of fathers everywhere, the Free Press put the following question to several people
Meet the Morrisseys
Attorney Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey took a break last weekend from his campaign to be Richmond’s next mayor to wed Myrna Warren, the young woman he went to jail for 17 months ago.
Dick Gregory to open Juneteenth celebration
Dick Gregory will be in Richmond this week to help launch the annual two-day Juneteenth celebration to mark African-American liberation from slavery.
Richmonder debuts his film June 22
While growing up in Richmond, Jai Jamison knew that he wanted to be a film director. Next week, the 30-year-old’s award-winning feature film, “Tri,” will premiere in Richmond. The film, chronicling the efforts of two female triathletes, will be shown 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 22, at Bow Tie Cinemas, 1310 N. Boulevard.
Lanier exhibit at Historical Society
Football great Willie Lanier is getting renewed attention. The Virginia Historical Society is hosting a special display of items related to the life of the Richmond area resident, including his Maggie L. Walker High School diploma and the Super Bowl ring he was awarded for playing on the Kansas City Chiefs’ 1970 championship team in Super Bowl IV.
Top Tony Awards won by people of color
People of color snagged the top Tony Awards for performances on Broadway stages during the past year— a sharp contrast to Hollywood’s all-white Academy Awards for movies.
Injury cleared way for championship in high jump
Before Kequan Henley ever took off as a high-flying state champion in the high jump, the tall and springy Armstrong High School student was in love with basketball. Then during his sophomore year in 2014, he suffered a significant injury. “First game of the year, I went up for a rebound and came down on my head. Knocked me out. I woke up in the hospital with a bad concussion,” he recalled.
Old-fashioned baseball reigns in the country
Baseball is losing ground in urban areas but remains a premier attraction down dusty country roads, far removed from the city’s hustle and bustle. On diamonds carved out of the woods in places like Prince George and Dinwiddie counties, old-fashioned country hardball, spiced with ample music, food and socializing, still takes center stage on warm weekends.
VCU heading South
Virginia Commonwealth University will be taking its basketball talents South during the upcoming season. Coach Will Wade’s Rams will play the University of Illinois on Dec. 3 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, home of the NBA’s Miami Heat.
