Holiday events to light up Downtown
Richmond is getting into the holiday season with a host of events to bring cheer to families and individuals, including a holiday parade, Christmas tree lightings and an open house at the Executive Mansion. The festivities begin Thursday, Dec. 3, when Gov. Terry McAuliffe and Virginia’s First Family participate in the state’s official tree lighting ceremony from 5:30 to 6 p.m. on the South Portico of the State Capitol.
60 years after Rosa Parks’ arrest launched modern civil rights era, ‘our work isn’t finished’
MONTGOMERY, ALA. While Rosa Parks became a symbol of the Civil Rights Movement when she refused to give up her seat on a segregated Alabama bus, the 60th anniversary of her arrest also highlighted lesser-known pioneers of the bus boycott she sparked. Mrs. Parks made history by taking a stand alongside other desegregation pioneers like Claudette Colvin, a black teenager arrested nine months earlier in Montgomery, Ala., for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger, said Fred D. Gray, a lawyer who represented both women.
Santa with Soul visits Dec. 5 at Black History Museum
Santa with Soul is making his annual visit to the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia in Jackson Ward to ask wide-eyed children their holiday wishes and to spread good cheer.
Holiday dance production Dec. 6 at the Altria Theater
The Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities is presenting “Home for the Holidays — The Night Before” at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at the Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel St.
How to get a letter from Santa
Do you want to provide a child with a letter from Santa Claus? Here’s how the U.S. Postal Service will help you get it done, complete with a North Pole postmark.
Personality: James A. McCain
Spotlight on Richmond Firefighter of the Year
James A. McCain says being a firefighter with the Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services is a dream come true. “I wanted to become a physical therapist when I graduated from Hampton University in 2003,” he recalls. “But I had a dream one day that I was a firefighter. It was so vivid and so real,” he adds. “I took that as a calling that I was supposed to become a firefighter.”
‘Battle of I-95 South
VUU Panthers versus VSU Trojans at Ashe Center on Sunday
Tavon Mealy has become the prince of the paint at Virginia Union University. Despite being vertically challenged at a more guard-like 6-foot-3, the undersized big man has a knack for ruling the painted boards in the shadow of the backboard.
VUU’s Joe Taylor to be inducted into MEAC Hall of Fame
Virginia Union University Athletic Director Joe Taylor soon will add another feather to his cap. The highly successful former football coach will be inducted into the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame on March 10.
Dave Roberts first black manager for L.A. Dodgers
Richmond’s legion of NBA fans will again have local favorites to follow on both sides of the country this season. Former Virginia Commonwealth University marksman Troy Daniels, who holds the Atlantic 10 record for the most three-pointers in a season, is beginning his fourth NBA season and his second with the Charlotte Hornets.
Local favorites hitting NBA boards this season
Richmond’s legion of NBA fans will again have local favorites to follow on both sides of the country this season. Former Virginia Commonwealth University marksman Troy Daniels, who holds the Atlantic 10 record for the most three-pointers in a season, is beginning his fourth NBA season and his second with the Charlotte Hornets. Meanwhile, former Hanover High School/Benedictine/University of North Carolina standout Ed Davis will commence his fifth NBA season overall and first season with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Police chief out amid protests of teen’s murder in Chicago
Chicago’s police chief was ousted on Tuesday following days of unrest over video footage showing the police shooting of a black teenager and the subsequent filing of murder charges against a white police officer in the young man’s death. The white officer, Jason Van Dyke, was charged Nov. 24 with first-degree murder in the killing of Laquan McDonald, 17, who was shot 16 times. The video of the killing was released on the day the former officer was charged.
Two faces of Ben
Ayauna King-Baker loved Ben Carson’s “Gifted Hands” memoir so much that she made her daughter, Shaliya, read it. So when Dr. Carson showed up in town to sign copies of his new book, Mrs. King-Baker dragged the giggly 13-year-old along to the bookstore so they could both meet him.
Black History Museum project becomes a career changer
For Rickey Young and Teimon Phillips, the new Black History Museum and Cultural Center in Richmond’s Jackson Ward will always be a special place. Both men got their first experience in the construction field in working to transform the long vacant but historic Leigh Street Armory into the museum’s new home.
Mayor saves tree at planned Walker monument site
Yes, Richmond, that iconic Downtown tree is going to survive. That’s the word from Mayor Dwight C. Jones. He disclosed Wednesday that he is committed to saving the green-leafed live oak tree that dominates the triangular site earmarked for a proposed statue of renowned Richmonder Maggie L. Walker, the first African-American woman in the nation to establish and operate a bank.
Petersburg learns on free speech lesson
Linwood Christian and others in Petersburg no longer will be barred from addressing the Petersburg City Council because they owe taxes, fines or fees to the city.
SCLC chapter hosts legislative forum
The Richmond Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference is hosting a forum to discuss legislative issues prior to the start of the General Assembly in January.
AG starts initiative to boost diversity in police departments
Attorney General Mark R. Herring is seeking to help police departments across Virginia recruit more minority applicants and build police departments. The goal of the initiative: To reflect the cultural and racial makeup of the communities they serve. Mr. Herring said the initiative would begin in Danville and Martinsville with the aim of creating model programs that other law enforcement agencies could use.
Martin honored with Raven Award
George Keith Martin has gained praise for his accomplishments as the first African-American rector at the University of Virginia, the managing partner at the Richmond office of McGuireWoods law firm in Downtown and his longtime community involvement and service on numerous boards and commissions.
Playing the ‘Trump’ card
Richmond pastor of church in bankruptcy endorses billionaire despite controversial remarks
Richmond school athletic programs need help
I feel profound sadness and dismay about the state of our athletic programs in Richmond. Having been born, raised, educated and employed here, I have witnessed our children being humiliated year after year with no end in sight. As Richmond’s mayor, former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder tried to offer leadership in regards to Richmond Schools by contending that there were too many schools. He was right. Inaction has relegated our schools to second class status. This is not to suggest that athletics is the most important issue facing our schools. Absolutely not!
