Maggie Walker’s honor would be impaired by tree
I write to support that the City of Richmond provide a cleared palette at the corner of Broad and Adams streets on which a stately statue can stand in full honor and glory to the iconic image of Maggie Lena Walker.
Energy industry vital to climate change, economic opportunities
Under the leadership of President Obama, the United States has taken unprecedented action to begin addressing climate change — one of the biggest issues facing our time. Through advancements in new technologies, environmental initiatives and cleaner energy resources, our country already has greatly reduced carbon dioxide emissions.
Vision, not division
Leaders provide vision. They help people understand where they are, how they got there and what they must do to go forward. They help calm nerves and strengthen courage. They are steady in times of trouble, inspiring in times of demoralization.
Church must boot Parson to clear bankruptcy
The future of an embattled South Side church may hinge on whether it can completely cut ties with its founding pastor. As part of a financial plan clearing the way for the once giant Richmond Christian Center to emerge from bankruptcy, the church had to agree to one stipulation — that Pastor Steven A. Parson Sr. “have no contact” with the worship center he founded in his living room more than 32 years ago.
Emancipation Day service Jan. 1 at Fifth Baptist Church
The Rev. Elmore E. Warren Jr., a Richmond native and pastor of Whitestone Baptist Church in Baltimore, is scheduled to preach at the annual community service in Richmond to mark the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. The commemoration that also features spirited singing and dramatic presentations will be held 11:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 1, 2016, at Fifth Baptist Church, 1415 W. Cary St., in the West End.
Temple of Judah to hold service at jail Dec. 25
Men and women at the Richmond Justice Center once again will benefit from the work of the Temple of Judah. Bishop Melvin Williams Jr. and the temple’s congregation are continuing a long tradition of providing Christmas cheer to those spending the holidays behind bars at the facility.
Benefit gospel concert Jan. 10 at Va. Union
Capital City Lodge #107 of the 26th Masonic District is presenting its annual gospel concert 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10, in Coburn Hall at Virginia Union University.
Seminary president lends voice to national letter
Count Union Presbyterian Seminary President Brian K. Blount is among those calling for an end to anti-Islamic rhetoric and religious intolerance toward the Muslim community.
VSU Coach Lonnie Blow scores 100th CIAA victory
Basketball Coach Lonnie Blow Jr. arrived at Virginia State University with a reputation for success, and he hasn’t disappointed. The veteran coach picked up his 100th CIAA victory Dec. 15 when the Trojans defeated his former school, St. Augustine’s University, 86-63, in Raleigh, N.C.
Aggies win Celebration Bowl in Atlanta
There is plenty to celebrate, starting with the feats of North Carolina A&T State University’s Tarik Cohen, following last Saturday’s inaugural Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl. The Aggies’ explosive 5-foot-6 junior ran and ran and didn’t slow down until the Aggies had a 41-34 victory over Alcorn State University at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.
Petersburg cousins joined by blood, love of football
When the next Prosise family reunion rolls around, football is likely to be the hot topic. Burly Prosise athletes figure heavily into the college gridiron reports as nearby as Ettrick and as far away as South Bend, Ind. Ray Prosise Jr. is a powerful, 6-foot, 280-pound junior defensive lineman and electrical engineering major at Virginia State University.
Faulkner wins top pro bowl prize
Gary Faulkner Jr. is the winner of the Professional Bowlers Association’s World Championship. Faulkner, 25, of Memphis, Tenn., won the tournament Thursday, Dec. 17, to become just the second African-American to win a title in the PBA’s 57-year history.
Cherished Holiday Memories
Christmas. It’s a time for family, sharing good food, holiday fun and heartfelt blessings. From the smell of dinner cooking for a family feast, to the glow of lights on a decorated Christmas tree, the season is rich with ingredients for wonderful memories that linger long after the holiday is gone. Six area residents shared with the Free Press their cherished memories of Christmases past. We hope their reflections will bring special joy and happy recollections of your own during this season.
Harvey to host again despite big blunder
The Miss Universe pageant was going great until the host, popular comedian Steve Harvey, made a big mistake. He already had announced Miss Colombia as the winner last Sunday, and she already was wearing the crown. And then he reread his cue card and had to return to the stage to announce on live television that Miss Philippines actually was the winner.
Personality: Keith W. Hicks
Spotlight on the 2015 Astorian of the Year
“To inspire men to a higher moral, intellectual, civic and social standing” through activities that build a better community and promote racial equality.
Officer’s jobs program puts men on right side of law
Jeffrey Perry served 18 years in prison for his role in an armed robbery. Shaun Moore served two separate stints behind bars — seven months for possession of drugs with intent to distribute and, later, four months for failure to pay child support.
Holiday closings
In observance of Christmas, please note the following:
Coffee shop reopens on Brookland Park Blvd.
The Streetcar Café on North Side is back in business under new management. The coffee shop at 10 E. Brookland Park Blvd. turned on the lights and began serving patrons again Dec. 14, two weeks after the previous operators departed.
Va. NAACP elections on hold in wake of national investigation
In a surprise move, the national NAACP has put the Oct. 31 election results for the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP on hold as it investigates claims of irregularities in the vote. Among other things, the national office is seeking to determine whether youth delegates were wrongly denied ballots in the vote for officers.
New street sign unveiled to honor Alicia C. Rasin
Mayor Dwight C. Jones and others gathered Monday in Church Hill to unveil an honorary street sign in Church Hill for Alicia C. Rasin, a longtime advocate for families of homicide victims in the city. Ms. Rasin, who was known as the city’s “Ambassador of Compassion,” died in October. Ms. Rasin’s sisters, Patricia Rasin Smith and Albertina Rasin Walker, attended the ceremony, along with City Council member Cynthia I. Newbille, 7th District.-
