More than 12,000 flood Brown’s Island for race opening
Richmond native and American Idol finalist Rayvon Owen and the Richmond Symphony wowed more than 12,000 people Friday night on Brown’s Island as they opened the UCI Road World Championships with a dazzling show ushering in a resplendent riverside sunset. The Richmond Cycling Corps, a group of East End youngsters ages 12 to 17, then led a colorful procession of the 16 cyclists from Team USA, followed by 74 youngsters carrying the flags of the nations participating in this international bicycling race.
Protest launched over Confederate bike route
As a small plane flew overheard carrying a banner with a Confederate battle flag and the message “Confederate heros (sic) matter,” cyclists from the Chilean and Mexican national bike teams pedaled up Monument Avenue on Saturday and turned at the statue of Confederate president Jefferson Davis to head back Downtown to finish their training course.
Old school music review set for Sept. 25
A Motown tribute is coming to town. The Recapture the Memory Motown Revue & Musical Tribute Show will present old school tunes 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School, 1000 N. Lombardy St.
History-making women to speak at Chimborazo Elementary
Powhatan native Lillian L. Lambert was the first African-American woman to graduate from the Harvard University Business School. The Rev. Sylvia V. Tucker, who lives in Disputanta, was the first female African-American hospital chaplain in Virginia. The women are scheduled to share their success stories Friday, Sept. 25, with students at Chimborazo Elementary School, 3000 E. Marshall St., in the East End.
Actress Viola Davis makes Emmy history
After 67 years, an African-American woman has won the honor for best lead actress in a drama series at the Emmy Awards. Viola Davis notched the historic win Sunday night before a mostly white audience at the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards. She won for her role as a tough criminal defense lawyer in ABC’s drama series “How to Get Away with Murder.”
Ms. Jones, Col. Singleton say, ‘I do’
Sandra Jones and Col. Terence Singleton are newlyweds. The couple married Saturday, Sept. 19, at New Zion Baptist Church in Williamsburg. The church’s pastor, the Rev. Robert A. Whitehead Sr., officiated, along with the Rev. Vernon J. Hurte, pastor of New Light Baptist Church in Richmond. A reception followed in Williamsburg.
VSU Trojans aim to corral Fayetteville State Broncos
If you went for a hot dog and soft drink during punt plays, you’d have missed the day’s most exciting action. Virginia State University’s two touchdowns came on punts in its 14-7 victory over Kentucky State University last Saturday at Rogers Stadium.
John Marshall High’s Reginald Revels has record day
There has been a major change in Reginald Revels’ after-school autumn itinerary. About this time a year ago, he headed to McDonald’s after classes for a part-time job flipping burgers. This year, he has traded in his apron and spatula for a helmet, shoulder pads and the No. 4 blue and white jersey for the John Marshall High School football team.
Sharpton on GOP: ‘They entertain you with foolishness’
“And let us not be weary in well doing!” the Rev. Al Sharpton said. “For in due season, we shall reap, if we faint not!” Moved by those stirring words, more than 1,000 worshippers rose to their feet, cheering and applauding Rev. Sharpton on Sunday during his sermon at the Men’s Day service at historic Gillfield Baptist Church in Petersburg. “If you give up, think of those ahead of you. If they had given up, where would we be?”
No eggs, bacon for The Breakfast Club
They call themselves “The Breakfast Club.” They arrive about 6 a.m. at Fifth Baptist Church in the West End every Tuesday and Friday. Deacon John Chavis opens the back door for them. On this particular morning, 13 members of the club arrive. And as they do twice a week, they play basketball in the church gymnasium.
Aguilar’s sentencing set for Oct. 12 in Texas
Former Richmond Outreach Center Pastor Geronimo “Pastor G” Aguilar is to be sentenced by a Texas judge Monday, Oct. 12, according to Samantha Jordan, a spokesperson in the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office. The ex-minister, who once was respected by Richmond area politicians, law enforcement, business leaders and residents, faces life in prison when he goes before Judge Louis Sturns.
Richmond Christian Center bankruptcy issue being resolved
The Richmond Christian Center has had to put off celebrating its emergence from bankruptcy after nearly two years under court supervision. The 300-member South Side church has been told some issues still need to be resolved before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court can approve RCC’s reorganization plan and allow it to leave bankruptcy court protection.
Personality: Debra Sue Sims Fleisher
Spotlight on chair of 2015 Active Aging Week
Debra Sue Sims Fleisher has had a passion for exercising ever since she was a child. “My mother says that, as a little girl, I would dance to the sound of the washing machine. And I do remember dancing with a doorknob as my partner,” she recalls.
Morrissey fails to withdraw officially
Two weeks ago, attorney Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey told the Free Press and other news outlets he was ending his campaign for the state Senate because of a health issue.
New city high-rise built with commitment to diversity
Gerald “Junior” Burr Jr. likely swells with pride every time he crosses the Manchester Bridge and sees the newest addition to the city’s skyline — the 19-story Gateway Plaza building that formally opened this week His company, Canterbury Enterprises Inc., played an important part in the two-year development of the glass-faced, high-rise structure that sits in the block bounded by 8th, 9th, Cary and Canal streets — the new home of the McGuireWoods law firm, its consulting arm and several other companies.
House blocked for female felons
City Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson has been a champion of affordable housing during her 11 years on City Council. The 6th District representative, who previously led a nonprofit housing group in the Highland Park area, has been a staunch advocate for creation of lower-cost homes and apartments for working people and others.
Correction
The contract for former Richmond Public Schools spokes- person Felicia Cosby was not renewed by the system when it ended in June 2014.
Gov. reappoints Justice Roush in latest battle over high court
Can Justice Jane Marum Roush legally serve? That question now hangs over the latest addition to the Virginia Supreme Court. Yes, says Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe, who just extended Justice Roush’s term on the state’s highest court until at least mid-February.
VSU enrollment figures down
In an update, Virginia State University has released its fall enrollment figures. On Sept. 10, officials stated 4,632 validated undergraduate and graduate students, or students who had fully paid their bills, are enrolled.
