NAACP branches to host forums at area churches
Concerned about the ever widening racial divide? Troubled about discrimination or other problems of social equity? Here’s your opportunity to sound off.
From R&B to gospel, Barky’s has changed with the times
When Barksdale “Barky” Haggins opened Barky’s Record Shop in 1956 in Downtown, some people were determined to see he didn’t stay in business for long. “White record distributors in Richmond wouldn’t sell me records to stock the store,” the affable entrepreneur recalls. Undeterred, Mr. Haggins traveled by car to Washington or New York City once a month with about $400 and purchased as many records as possible to sell in his store, located at the time at 407 N. 1st St. “Records cost about 59 cents back then and albums ranged from $1.98 to $3.98 for the most popular ones,” Mr. Haggins said.
Personality: Monica Brinkley Davis
Spotlight on first African-American president of Junior League of Richmond
Monica Brinkley Davis does not take lightly her role as a trailblazing officer of the Junior League of Richmond. The Henrico County resident is the first African-American president of the 89-year-old organization, whose mission is to train strong female leaders through community service and to strengthen communities.
Free Press wins 21 awards
The Richmond Free Press continues its 23-year tradition of award-winning excellence. The newspaper was recognized with 21 awards — including seven first place awards and a Best in Show Award — at the annual Virginia Press Association competition in writing, photography, news presentation and advertising.
VCU adjusting after Shaka Smart exit
Virginia Commonwealth University has a new basketball coaching staff and, so far, the roster of returning Rams has remained intact, albeit a scare. Here’s what has transpired since Coach Shaka Smart left VCU to become coach at the University of Texas, and Coach Will Wade, a former Smart assistant, was named his successor. Promising 6-foot-8 freshman Justin Tillman asked to be released for the purpose of transferring to another university, but has since changed his mind and remains a Ram. All three of Coach Smart’s high school recruits to VCU have asked for and been granted releases by VCU Athletic Director Ed McLaughlin.
Lynch pawn in GOP game
Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell said that a vote will finally come April 23 on Attorney General-nominee Loretta Lynch. It probably will happen this time.
Stand up to corporate polluters
As Earth Day is upon us, we have a perfect opportunity to reflect on the important issue of climate change and what it means to the faith community. As people of faith and as people sharing this planet, it is clearly our moral obligation to address this growing and potentially catastrophic problem. Climate change affects all of us, including our children, our children’s children, and especially those in the poorest and most vulnerable communities among us. If we are truly our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, we cannot ignore and leave them helpless to this public health threat.
Tough problem
What are we going to do about our public school buildings? This is the biggest single infrastructure problem on our plate — the elephant in the room, so to speak. The sad shape of our streets, our sidewalks and even our Coliseum pales in comparison.
Rev. Cook-Posley to speak at Women’s Day program
The Rev. Cheryl Cook-Posley will be the guest preacher at the Women’s Day service Sunday, April 26, at Second Baptist Church in the West End, the church has announced. The service is 10 a.m. at the church at 1400 Idlewood Ave. led by the Rev. James Henry Harris. Rev. Cook-Posley is the founder of Hamlets of Hope Ministries, an Ashburn, Va.-based nonprofit for ministerial practitioners and faith communities focused on transformational ministry.
Methodists to sell lemonade to combat malaria
United Methodists will set up lemonade stands in Richmond and other locations across the state Saturday, April 25. The reason: To raise money to help prevent malaria, a potentially fatal disease found mostly in Africa. Malaria is caused by a parasite and spread by mosquitoes. The event is being held on World Malaria Day.
VUU 150th celebration continues with speakers, gala
Virginia Union University is concluding its 150th anniversary celebration with noted speakers and a scholarship gala highlighting events during the next two weeks.
Carbonell brings the spice
Peanuts, popcorn, Cracker Jacks … and “mixto,” a Cuban sandwich. Flying Squirrels vendors might consider expanding the fare at The Diamond for prized prospect Daniel Carbonell and the fans. The switch-hitting left fielder/lead-off hails from Camaguey, Cuba, and is among the latest to join U.S. pro ball from that Caribbean island’s fertile baseball turf.
Butler expected to be named VUU men’s basketball coach
Lester L. “Jay” Butler Jr. helped Virginia Union University win 107 basketball games as a play-making guard for the Panthers from 1992 to 1996. Now he’ll try to add to that victory total as head coach.
Short-term fix restores power to Fay Towers residents
Elderly and disabled residents of Fay Towers can once again turn on the lights and enjoy a hot shower in their units. A big generator is temporarily providing electricity to the 200 units in the 11-story high rise in Gilpin Court while permanent repairs are made. Squirrels are being blamed for knocking out power to most of the building Sunday. The pesky rodents chewed up a main line into the building, according to Carol Jones-Gilbert, acting chief operating officer for the building’s landlord, the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
Education battle cry: Put kids first!
“Put kids first!” A diverse gathering of educators, parents and students made that impassioned plea at a rally Saturday organized by the Virginia Education Association and the Virginia PTA.
Enough is enough
Freddie Gray’s spine nearly severed, larynx crushed while in police custody
What happened to Freddie Gray? People across the nation are demanding to know after the 25-year-old black man suffered a fatal spinal cord injury under mysterious circumstances after being arrested by Baltimore police and put into the back of a police van.
School Board weighs options to close schools
Richmond Public Schools is considering a seismic shift in how it attempts to solve overcrowding issues and meet other pressing demands related to its burgeoning student population. For the first time, Superintendent Dana T. Bedden and his leadership team are publicly admitting they could close up to six school buildings and move those students into existing schools even if no new buildings are constructed. Those findings are part of the thick new Richmond Public Schools Facilities Needs Report, which focuses on current and future building needs.
Huguenot senior hurdles to state champion
Huguenot High School senior Shaunté Harris has a passion for fashion. But if there’s one thing she relishes more than a sporty, chic look, it’s running the high hurdles — an event famous for its thrills — and also its spills. Therefore, don’t be surprised to see Harris wearing distressed denims to school, rather than a trendy shirtdress. “My legs aren’t the nicest,” she says with a wide smile. “I’ve taken plenty of spills, lots of hard falls. My legs have cuts and scratches. It kind of never stops.”
Lawsuit over disabled access to apartments ruled premature
A federal judge has thrown out a high-profile lawsuit seeking to force a new apartment complex going up in Church Hill to be altered to accommodate persons with disabilities. Senior U.S. Judge James R. Spencer ruled the suit was premature because the 151-unit Shockoe Valley View Apartments is still under construction in the 1900 block of Cedar Street.
Prison officials can be held liable for prisoner safety
Prison officials can be liable for damages if they ignore obvious risks to the health and safety of a prisoner who ends up being harmed, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled. On a 2-1 split, a panel of the court issued that decision in a Virginia case that could shake up the monitoring of prisoners in state facilities.
