Local Starbucks baristas file for union election amid labor push
A petition filed last week by Starbucks baristas in Mechanicsville has set the stage for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), and could continue the labor efforts seen by other stores across the Richmond area.
The ‘poorly educated’ and the plan to undermine them, by Julianne Malveaux
After he won the Nevada Republican caucuses in 2016, the current president crowed about his victory. “We won with young. We won with old. We won with highly educated. We won with poorly educated. I love the poorly educated,” he said. Congressman Bobby Scott, D-Va., reflected on this comment as he called on Republicans to join Democrats in preserving the Department of Education.
Donamatrix Day returns to Petersburg with fitness festival, charity events
Celebrity trainer and Petersburg native Don “DB Donamatrix” Brooks brings his signature fitness event back home with the annual Donamatrix Day Fit Fest on Saturday, April 5, at Petersburg High School.
Phil Martelli Jr. named VCU men’s basketball head coach
Virginia Commonwealth University Men’s Basketball has a new head coach, and he’s no stranger to building success. Phil Martelli Jr., who was formally introduced at a press conference March 27, takes over the program after leading Bryant University to new heights over the past two seasons.
Kickers fall to Forward Madison in Henny Derby opener
The Richmond Kickers (2-2-0, 6 points) fell 2-1 to Forward Madison (1-1-0, 3 points) in a hard-fought first leg of the Henny Derby on Saturday.
Flying Squirrels introduce new GM ahead of last season at Diamond
Anthony Oppermann is the general manager of the Richmond Flying Squirrels, the team announced Monday.
‘Homes & Habitats’ exhibition explores nature through art at Lewis Ginter
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden recently opened its outdoor art exhibition, “Homes & Habitats,” featuring works by seven local artists. The exhibition, which runs through Sept. 28, showcases large-scale installations that explore ecosystems and human interactions with nature.
History tours return at The Valentine
The Valentine’s Richmond History Tours will resume in April, offering guided explorations of the city’s past. Now in their 25th year, the tours highlight historic sites, architectural landmarks and lesser-known stories from Richmond’s history.
Virginia Interfaith names LaKeisha Cook executive director
The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy appointed Dr. LaKeisha Cook as its new executive director, the organization announced Tuesday.
Budget ideas, housing grants take center stage at council meeting
Richmond City Council convened Monday to review the city’s spending and housing plans, with council members pressing for more clarity on the financial implications of several key proposals.
5th Baptist Church hosts 5th Annual MLK Memorial Luncheon and Awards Program
On the day after the 57th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, the community will come together to recognize individuals who continue his fight for justice and progress at the 5th Annual MLK Memorial Luncheon and Awards Program, hosted by Living the Dream, Inc. The event will take place 2 p.m., April 5 at 5th Baptist Church.
Remembering Dr. King
In this April 3, 2008 editorial from the Richmond Free Press archives, our late publisher and founder Raymond Boone reflects on the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Boone, who championed civil rights through his journalism, draws parallels between Dr. King’s activism and the ongoing fight for justice in our communities.
Trump’s free speech hypocrisy, by Clarence Page
President Donald Trump and the GOP have called themselves the party of free speech. But since taking office, the president has been tightening up his definition of freedom like a hangman’s noose.
Preserving our natural wonders is a cause worth fighting for, by Ben Jealous
Dorothy Gibbs chanted “Save our parks” from her wheelchair while holding a sign that read, “97 years old, still fighting for public lands!”
¡FridaFest! at VMFA to honor Frida Kahlo and her Mexican heritage
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts will bring Frida Kahlo’s legacy to life April 5, with a community celebration. From 1 to 7 p.m., ¡FridaFest! will mark the opening of the museum’s “Frida: Beyond the Myth” exhibition, offering visitors an experience filled with music, art, food and culture.
Youngkin rejects key progressive reforms
In the final year of his tenure, Gov. Glenn Youngkin carried out his duty to sign, veto and amend hundreds of bills handed to him by the Democratic-controlled legislature for the last time Monday, rejecting a proposal to raise the minimum wage incrementally to $15 per hour, a multi-year attempt to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board and several voter registration and election measures.
Gov. ducks protest, unleashes veto wave
Youngkin avoids rally during Patrick Henry reenactment
As Gov. Glenn Youngkin attended a reenactment of Patrick Henry’s famous “Give me liberty or give me death” speech Sunday at St. John’s Church, more than 500 protesters gathered outside, calling attention to what they described as modern-day threats to democracy.
Personality: Leyla McCalla
Spotlight on University of Richmond artist in residence
The daughter of Haitian immigrants, Leyla McCalla uses folk traditions and African rhythms to bridge the past and present, exploring the experiences of the Black diaspora. Her blend of folk music, showcasing her mastery of the cello, banjo and guitar, led to her role as artist in residence at the University of Richmond three years ago.
‘Detroit ’67,’ a family drama set against a backdrop of social unrest
It started with a police raid on an unlicensed bar in Detroit. It ended with 43 dead, 1,189 injured and more than 400 buildings destroyed. Alternately called the 1967 Detroit Riot, the Detroit Uprising, the Detroit Rebellion and the 12th Street Riot, this five-day conflict primarily pitted African American residents against the Detroit Police Department. Many longstanding factors, including police brutality, housing segregation and unemployment, contributed to the riot.
Packed church watches as Avula pledges support for RISC’s proposals
Mayor Danny Avula made several key commitments to Richmonders Involved to Strengthen Our Communities on Tuesday evening, pledging to explore a Gun Violence Reduction Strategy and allocate millions in funding for affordable housing and mobile home repairs. The agreements were made during RISC’s annual Nehemiah Action meeting at Saint Paul’s Baptist Church in Henrico County attended by more than 2,000 group members, according to RISC.
