Reflecting on Juneteenth
One hundred and fifty years ago, Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, bearing news that would fulfill the Emancipation Proclamation’s promise of freedom. As word broke that the Civil War had finally ended, people began to celebrate the end of slavery in the South.
Black Press
188 years of excellence
In recognition of the 75th anniversary of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, it is important to emphasize both the historical and contemporary mission, value and success of the Black Press in America. For the past 188 years black Americans have labored diligently and responsibly to publish and distribute black-owned newspapers in the interests of millions of black Americans and others who cry out for freedom, justice, equality and empowerment.
Forgive student loan debt
By the time you read this, millions of college students will have graduated and be looking for jobs. Many will be going on to grad school and millions suddenly will be faced with paying off college loans or contemplating obtaining a loan for graduate studies. Neither option is attractive.
The Dolezal debate
The curious story of Rachel Dolezal has transfixed the nation, as though we are passing by a mirror and looking at ourselves. In a sense, we are. We are peering into the racial reflection of the nation and discovering what truths and lies are beneath the surface.
Urban League group hosting panel discussion
The Urban League of Greater Richmond and its Young Professionals auxiliary are hosting a panel discussion on criminal justice reform.
Va. historical marker dedication at Pocahontas Island
Petersburg’s Pocahontas Island, a thriving free black community before the Civil War, will be commemorated with a state historical marker.
Hillary Clinton speaking at Jefferson-Jackson Dinner
When Hillary Clinton spoke at the Democratic Party of Virginia’s annual Jefferson-Jackson dinner in Richmond in February 2008, most of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus supported her opponent — Barack Obama — who also spoke at the event.
Richmond practice schedule announced for Washington NFL team
For a third straight year, Richmond will serve as the preseason training site for Washington’s NFL team. The Jay Gruden-coached pros will hold public practice sessions at the Bon Secours Training Center, 2401 W. Leigh St., July 30 through Aug. 16.
In 2015: MEAC football champs head to Celebration Bowl, not NCAA playoffs
Going to the Celebration Bowl — and not the NCAA playoffs — is now the top postseason goal of Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference football programs. The inaugural Celebration Bowl, set for Dec. 19, will pit the MEAC champion against the kingpin from the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
VUU to play 7 N.C. schools this football season
Virginia Union University’s 2015 football schedule could be billed as the Panthers versus North Carolina. VUU has seven games against teams from North Carolina universities, including its first five opponents.
Armstrong softball team thrives despite lack of field, resources
The Armstrong High girls’ softball team didn’t win the official Conference 26 championship. But the Wildcats did claim the unofficial Richmond city title.
Should LeBron James be the MVP?
Perhaps the NBA needs to change the name of its championship Finals MVP award to “MVP of the Winning Team.”
Jazz saxophonist Ornette Coleman, 85, dies
Ornette Coleman, a self-taught alto saxophone player who polarized the jazz world with his unconventional “free jazz” before coming to be regarded as an avant garde genius, died Thursday, June 11, 2015, in New York, according to his publicist. He was 85.
Catholic bishops call for the root causes of racism to be addressed
The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops kicked off a gathering in St. Louis of approximately 250 of the nation’s bishops by referring to Ferguson, Mo., where an unarmed black teenager was killed last August by a white police officer.
Historic church in Detroit placed on National Register
A Detroit Baptist church with a history of civil rights activism has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Ebenezer Baptist showing movie for Alzheimer’s awareness
Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Jackson Ward is hosting an event to draw awareness to Alzheimer’s disease.
Erica Campbell, Richard Smallwood in concert at Saint Paul’s Baptist
Saint Paul’s Baptist Church will be filled with the music of Grammy Award-winning gospel artists next weekend. Singer Erica Campbell is headlining a gospel concert 7 p.m. Saturday, June 27, at the church, 4247 Creighton Road.
RRHA youth feeding locations announced
Children in the city’s public housing communities will have access to a free and nutritious breakfast and lunch this summer.
