Jim McMillian, member of L.A.Lakers 1972 championship team, dies at 68
Jim McMillian, a key component of the longest winning streak in NBA history, died Monday, May 16, 2016, at his home in Winston-Salem, N.C.
Personality: Glen Besa
Spotlight on retiring director of Sierra Club’s Virginia chapter
For the last 14 years, Glen Besa has been working to protect the environment as director of the Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club. Issue after issue, he has led the club’s more than 15,000 Virginia members and supporters in protecting and improving air and water quality, advancing clean and renewable energy sources, understanding climate change and holding politicians accountable on decisions impacting the environment.
Manchester Courthouse renamed to honor Henry and Harold Marsh
Civil rights was central to the law firm that Henry L. Marsh III organized with the late legal giants Oliver W. Hill Sr. and Samuel W. Tucker.
Republicans file suit to rescind rights restoration to 206,000 Virginians
Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe is facing a court fight over his April 22 order restoring voting rights to 206,000 felons who have completed their sentences, including about 40,000 people convicted of violent offenses. In a case filed Monday, Republican leaders in the General Assembly and four voters have asked the Virginia Supreme Court to find the governor acted illegally and to order him to rescind the blanket restoration of rights that allowed the affected individuals to vote, serve on juries and run for office.
Mistake may prevent hundreds from voting
A flawed list could keep hundreds of felons in Richmond and possibly thousands across the state from being properly registered to vote and having their votes counted in the upcoming June 14 primary election, the Free Press has learned. At least 420 felons in Richmond were still waiting to be put on the voter rolls by Monday’s voter registration deadline even though they believe they are covered by Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s April 22 order restoring rights to 206,000 people who had completed their sentences and any probation or parole requirements.
Gordon to be among highest paid city officials
Reginald E. “Reggie” Gordon is looking forward to the new challenge of leading the Office of Community Wealth Building, City Hall’s anti-poverty initiative, after nine years of overseeing American Red Cross operations in the Richmond area and most of the state.
Deadline May 30 for city storm drain art competition
The City of Richmond’s Department of Public Utilities is seeking five artists who can paint a picture of the importance of keeping the James River, the city’s source of drinking water, clean.
National Urban League issues annual State of Black America report
Declaring that the state of black America is “locked out” of economic, social and educational equality, National Urban League President and CEO Marc Morial said in his State of Black America Address last week that at least $1 trillion must be invested in America’s urban communities in order to bring a semblance of justice.
Memorial Day holiday schedule
A list of closings and schedule changes for Memorial Day, Monday, May 30:
National Policy Alliance schedules black political convention in Gary, Ind.
As the U.S. presidential and congressional campaigns remain in full throttle, the National Policy Alliance, a coalition of 16,000 black elected and appointed officials and more than 1 million black policymakers, has organized a National Black Political Convention to be held June 9 through 12 in Gary, Ind.
Roses to remember
Army medic honors fallen soldiers by crafting steel roses for Gold Star families
As a combat medic in the Army, Anthony Vella witnessed the agonizing deaths of fellow soldiers killed in Afghanistan. When he returned to the United States and was stationed at Fort Lee in 2013, he sought to escape the memories of a “living hell” but honor his lost comrades.
City workforce center can help those denied federal job assistance
Re “Ignoring call to duty: Failure to sign up for Selective Service hurts thousands,” May 5-7 edition: A Richmond Free Press article informed readers how failing to register for the Selective Service can hinder men from receiving federal financial assistance, such as workforce services and Pell Grants for education.
Investing in black men
Mayors and community leaders in cities across the country are working every day to create vibrant and healthy communities where all of our youth, families and neighbors can thrive. All too often, though, the promise of safe, healthy and hopeful communities for all is not being realized for African-American men. Indeed, while they represent significant populations in many of our cities, these men face a disproportionate impact from violence.
‘Something bigger than myself’
“We’ve got a justice gap when too many black boys and girls pass through a pipeline from underfunded schools to overcrowded jails … Black men are about six times likelier to be in prison right now than white men.” Those words rang in my ears and lingered in the air like a heavy, heavy fog that morning. As I stared at President Obama, I kept repeating to myself, “Right now?”
60 years back, 60 years ahead
Education is the great equalizer, so it has been said. Take for example Irving L. Peddrew III. He was a teenage honors student at his all-black high school in Hampton whose future seemed limitless. He received offers to attend numerous schools across the nation. Yet he chose Virginia Tech in Blacksburg.
‘Success is … in the lives that you impact,’ Delegate Aird tells VSU graduates
Virginia State University President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah was beaming like a proud father during this, his first, and the university’s 130th commencement held last Sunday at the Richmond Coliseum.
El ignites passion, inspires VCU grads
“Go make the world a better place for people everywhere,” was the recurring message to the more than 5,000 graduates of Virginia Commonwealth University at commencement exercises last Saturday at the Richmond Coliseum. “This begins not only a new chapter in your life, but a new chapter for humanity,” said VCU President Michael Rao. In addition to congratulating the graduates, he thanked them for the opportunity to be a part of their educational lives. “What you’ve done here extends beyond our campus boundaries,” Dr. Rao continued. “Lives will be changed — not just courses completed.”
Yoga behind bars
Relaxation, meditation techniques can help heal inmates
Yoga and meditation are being offered at Richmond’s jail to help prepare inmates for positive re-entry into the community — and help keep them from returning to jail.
‘Celebrate Jackson Ward’ this weekend
The Richmond Symphony and a host of community arts groups will spend the weekend entertaining the public at a festival in Abner Clay Park called “Celebrate Jackson Ward: Past, Present and Future.”
