Kudos to Jay Z and Beyoncé
Re “Jay Z, Beyoncé bailed out Baltimore protesters,” May 21-23 edition: Many stars and entertainers talk the talk but do not walk the walk.
Cure the real problem hurting schools, not symptoms
Re: Editorial “Take back our schools,” May 21-23 edition: The first rule in problem solving is to identify the problem by separating it from its symptoms.
Restore justice, peace
The frequent and serious fights which in recent years have broken out among middle and high school students present a cause for alarm and distress. In some cases, absolute cruelty has been displayed. One wonders why so many young people are angry enough to inflict such harm upon another person.
Million Man March 20 years later
On Oct. 16, we will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March. In the subsequent two decades black Americans have experienced great triumphs, tragedies and tribulations.
Our children, our own
Lisa Delpit’s book “Other People’s Children” made a splash at publication in 2006 when it revealed how children of color are shortchanged in the classroom because white teachers do not identify with them, or their concerns, and view them as “other people’s children.”
Working for justice
We congratulate the Old Dominion Bar Association as its members gather in Richmond this weekend to celebrate the organization’s 75th anniversary.
Community book discussion on “The New Jim Crow”
The Lambda Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. is hosting a community book discussion on “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness” by author Michelle Alexander. The discussion will be 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 31, in the Kitzinger Community Room at the James City County Library, 7770 Croaker Road in Norge.
Community meeting Saturday on VCU well project
Virginia Commonwealth University and the East Marshall Street Well Project Planning Committee will hold a fourth community meeting as part of the study, memorialization and reburial of human remains uncovered 20 years ago during construction on the VCU Medical Center campus.
Tuskegee Airmen Motorcycle Club to host benefit ride Saturday
The Tuskegee Airmen Motorcycle Club of Richmond will hit the road for a good cause this weekend. The group is hosting the 5th Annual Ride for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond on Saturday, May 30, with proceeds benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs’ Summer Learning Program.
Gay marriage: A civil right or sin?
Is gay marriage a civil right like black equality? Or is it a sin African-Americans should condemn? That’s the question at the heart of “The New Black,” a documentary by filmmaker Yoruba Richen that examined African-American attitudes toward LGBT people leading up to Maryland’s public referendum on gay marriage in 2012.
Mountain of Blessings ends bid for Richmond Christian Center property
The fight over ownership of the bankrupt Richmond Christian Center in South Side has ended, at least for the time being. An Eastern Henrico Church, Mountain of Blessings Christian Center (MBCC), led by married co-pastors Dimitri and Nicole Bradley, has dropped its suit asking the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to allow MBCC to proceed in purchasing the RCC’s property in the 200 block of Cowardin Avenue.
Percy G. Dennis, 68, owner of Hull St. men’s clothing shop
Percy G. Dennis was known for his deep, abiding faith. He was a gentle soul, always eager to share his love for the Lord with others or to pass along a word of encouragement. Known to his family and friends as the “Best Dressed Man of God,” he had a keen eye for fashion and was endowed with the consummate entrepreneur’s spirit.
Personality: Helivi L. Holland
Spotlight on president of Old Dominion Bar Association at its 75th anniversary
Helivi L. Holland knew at a young age that advocating for justice was her passion. “I was willing to verbally challenge others, including the teachers, when I felt someone was being unfairly treated. That started around second grade,” she said.
NBA draft procedures changed the luck of the teams
Long before the NBA draft was determined by dancing Ping Pong balls, a.k.a. the weighted lottery, it was based on something less dicey — U.S. geography. Between 1949 and 1966, the “territorial draft” was imposed as a way of ushering elite talent to pro clubs nearest their college fan bases — or in one special case, their hometown.
John Marshall athletes headed to VUU and NSU
Two John Marshall High School seniors will continue their athletic careers at historically black universities. Basketball guard Everett “Tre” Patterson has signed with Virginia Union University while Justices football star D.J. Cook has signed with Norfolk State University.
Wythe soccer standout Ladasia Harris conference player of the year
As a young girl in elementary and middle school, Ladasia Harris had precious few athletic opportunities. She wasn’t signed up for many activities because of transportation issues and responsibilities babysitting her siblings. At George Wythe High School, she’s making up for lost time.
Officials launch probe into B.B. King’s death
Nevada officials said Monday they would conduct a homicide investigation into the death earlier this month of legendary musician B.B. King, after two of his daughters leveled accusations that the blues great was murdered. The Clark County, Nev., coroner’s office said in a post on Twitter that it had taken jurisdiction over Mr. King’s body, and autopsy results would take a minimum of six to eight weeks.
Justice Dept. forces Cleveland police reform
Can a police officer fire 15 shots into a car with two unarmed people inside and then be acquitted of criminal charges after their deaths? The answer is yes. Can another police officer get out of his vehicle and, two seconds later, fatally shoot a 12-year-old boy who has a pellet gun in his waistband — and not face swift arrest and prosecution? The answer again is yes.
Petersburg sheriff works with company to give drug testing kits to families
Petersburg Sheriff Vanessa Crawford is taking a new tack to help parents learn whether their children are experimenting with drugs.
City to step up efforts against blighted housing
More than 1,000 abandoned, decaying houses blight Richmond neighborhoods. And with the owners no longer paying property taxes, such properties add nothing to city revenue. Instead, such properties pile up delinquent taxes on the city’s books.
