Lesson from ‘Roots’
The bond of family runs deep in the African-American community. Forty years and a remake have not depreciated that lesson from “Roots,” the television miniseries now playing on cable’s A&E, History and Lifetime channels.
7th Annual Richmond Jazz Festival set for Aug. 11-14
An eclectic mix of Grammy Award winners, world-class singers and musicians and local talent will highlight this year’s Richmond Jazz Festival, sceduled for Aug. 11 through 14.
New ‘Roots’ relevant to new generation
In the history of American television, there has never been anything like the original version of “Roots.” Broadcast in 1977, the miniseries based on Alex Haley’s account of tracing his enslaved ancestor Kunta Kinte back to Africa was watched by 100 million people and triggered a cultural explosion.
Mobile Justice Tour in Richmond June 7
Two local grassroots organizations are sponsoring the 5th Annual Mobile Justice Tour from 1 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 7, at the East End Public Library, 1200 N. 25th St.
60th Annual Festival of Arts starts Friday at Dogwood Dell
Some of the area’s best musical groups will be featured this summer at the 60th Annual Festival of Arts at Dogwood Dell. The festival, sponsored by the City of Richmond, gets underway this weekend and will feature free dance, music and theater performances and festivals.
Local area softball stars gearing up for championships
The Cooke’s-Allen softball team, long known as Cooke’s Lawn Service, has been mowing down its softball competitors for decades.
Donations allow Armstrong High to ‘play ball’
The enthusiastic words “Play ball!” were heard on Armstrong High School’s campus this spring for the first time in many baseball seasons.
Fayetteville State names new basketball coach
Ken Spencer is the new basketball coach at Fayetteville State University. Coach Spencer succeeds Alphonza Kee, who posted an overall 91-107 record in seven seasons at the CIAA Southern Division university.
Cavaliers coach seeking title, record
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Tyronn Lue is seeking to become just the sixth African-American coach to win an NBA title. The Cavaliers commence their best-of-seven championship battle Thursday, June 2, against the defending champs, the Golden State Warriors. Game 1 of the finals will be played in Oakland, Ca.
Dr. Roscoe D. Cooper Jr. celebrates his 70th birthday, 50 years in ministry, 24 years as South Side church founder
Growing up in North Philadelphia, church was both family and community for Dr. Roscoe D. Cooper Jr. Life, love, community and support are interchangeable and reflective not only within the walls of a church but in the hearts of the congregation, expressed in the way they value and treat each other.
Organization of ministers’ wives, widows hosts conference
The Virginia Association of Ministers’ Wives and Ministers’ Widows will host a conference to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the organization’s international association.
Church fashion show to benefit victims of domestic violence
The Saved Anointed and God Appointed (SAGA) Ministry of Worship and Praise Deliverance Church will host Slay 4 A Purpose Fashion, a fashion show to highlight the issue of domestic violence.
Personality: Christopher Tate Gabbert
Spotlight on Richmond Public Schools’ highest achieving student
Chris Gabbert doesn’t consider himself a bookworm. “I need to read more on my own,” explains Chris, an 18-year-old senior at Richmond Community High School. But Chris has been hitting the books — and hard.
MLK Middle not living up to his name
Richmond School Board member Shonda Harris-Muhammed is calling on her colleagues and Superintendent Dana T. Bedden to stem a tide of alleged violence and assaults at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in the East End. In a recent Free Press interview, Ms. Harris-Muhammed, who represents the 6th District where the school is located, said more than 10 teachers and staff members from the school contact her regularly about their fears for their safety and that of others.
Groups unite for slavery memorial in Shockoe Bottom
The push to create a memorial to slavery in Shockoe Bottom took another step forward this week as national groups joined with local activists.
City goes dim on solar streetlights
Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones has boasted many times during the last seven years about the solar streetlights that were installed in a West End neighborhood with taxpayers’ dollars.
Study shows some children don’t visit doctors despite having insurance
A majority of Richmond children from low-income families apparently are not getting annual checkups from doctors, even though the children have health insurance through Medicaid or other programs that would cover the cost. The result: Many youngsters are dogged by obesity or other treatable physical and mental health problems that are never dealt with, disrupting their education and well-being.
More than 1,200 students in Richmond schools graduation ceremonies
Break out the caps and gowns. Graduation time has arrived in Richmond.
Voices for the Vote Rally slated for Saturday in Petersburg
The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, along with several partner organizations, is hosting rallies across the state this weekend to speak out against voter suppression and to assist people to register to vote. The Central Virginia Voices for the Vote Rally will be held 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 4, on Pocahontas Island in Petersburg.
No $ to fix schools
The same rundown buildings that many Richmond students attend are likely to be the same buildings where a new crop of students will be attending class 10 years from now.
